Islamia

Islamia is a term used in the names of several institutions, cultural centres and places, particularly within South Asia. The word is derived from the Arabic adjective Islamiyya, meaning “related to Islam,” and is adopted in contexts where Islamic heritage is combined with secular or academic pursuits.

Islamia University of Bahawalpur and Islamia University of Peshawar are the most prominent universities bearing the name. Both were founded in the mid‑20th century by the governments of Pakistan to offer comprehensive curricula that integrate Urdu, English and Islamic studies with science, engineering, medicine, and law. These universities now host thousands of undergraduates and postgraduates and are recognised for research output and multilingual faculty.

Islamia College in Peshawar, established in 1922 under British colonial patronage, began as a missionary school and later evolved into a coeducational public college. It offers a wide range of academic courses and is noted for achievements in debate, athletics and community outreach.

Other places named Islamia include small villages in West Bengal, India, and a neighbourhood in Karachi, Pakistan. The name also appears in the title of Islamia Bank, a Pakistani financial institution with roots in the post‑Partition era.

References

Official websites of Islamia University of Bahawalpur and Islamia University of Peshawar.

Historical records of Islamia College, Peshawar.

Geographic data on places named Islamia.