Tuan Guru Dream Foundation
A Muslim American Dream
Despite the presence of thousands of Islamic and charter schools, we are still awaiting a full-fledged, Muslim-led university that addresses our intellectual, spiritual, and professional needs—from undergraduate to PhD programs.
Our work focuses on the unique challenges that Muslim students and faculty face—challenges that are often overlooked in mainstream academic settings. Whether it's navigating identity, bias, or opportunity gaps, we believe these stories deserve space, support, and solutions.
Education should be holistic.
From a Muslim hospital that upholds the highest standards of modern medicine while also integrating alternative healing practices, to an accelerated business school that teaches business Arabic- our aim is to create a legacy of academic excellence and inclusion.
-
An Islamic Ethos
At the heart of our mission is a bold and transformative vision: to build an educational institution rooted in Islamic ethos, academic excellence, and social responsibility. This vision is not only about what we teach—but how we lead, support, and serve.
-
Leadership with Integrity
Our foundation is committed to ensuring that Muslim leadership is authentically represented at all levels—especially within boards of trustees and executive decision-making. We reject tokenism and instead strive for meaningful, mission-driven inclusion that reflects our values and community.
-
A Vision in Motion
This initiative is more than a dream—it's a movement toward educational sovereignty, ethical leadership, and Muslim excellence. Through faith, action, and community, we are building the future we’ve long imagined.
A University Where Muslims Lead, Learn, and Thrive
We are building a majority Muslim-run university—an institution where individuals can be unapologetically, creatively, and authentically Muslim. Governed by a Muslim board of trustees and leadership, this university will reflect the values and aspirations of the communities it serves.
While welcoming students of all faiths, the institution is designed to be a safe, empowering space where Muslim students can explore alternative courses, pursue advanced studies, and live out their faith fully and freely—without compromise.
Across the globe, Muslims remain underrepresented in leadership within higher education—even as they make up a significant portion of the world’s most skilled and talented students.
This institution will focus on graduate and postgraduate education, functioning as a Center for Advanced and Future Studies. It will host a diverse and dynamic body of scholars—researchers who publish regularly, mentor students, and contribute meaningfully to global academic discourse.
More than just a university, this is a movement toward educational sovereignty, intellectual excellence, and spiritual authenticity.
Dreams are not what we see when we are asleep; dreams are what we lose sleep about.
-A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Our university will offer a wide range of degree programs, with a focus on disciplines that align with ethical and spiritual praxis. Planned colleges include:
Business & Commerce
Engineering & Technology
Law & Governance
Medicine, Nursing & Dentistry
Liberal Arts & Humanities
Social Justice & Islamic Studies
Architecture, Fashion & Crafts
In addition to academic rigor, we are committed to structural equity. Faculty will be eligible for full tenure, and tuition waivers will be available for the children of university professors—helping ensure a sustainable and supportive academic community.
We aim to partner with institutions that share a commitment to inclusive, values-based education—particularly those with robust Islamic Studies programs. Notably, the University of Malaysia has already extended access to its extensive digital library and online academic resources, giving our students access to thousands of scholarly articles and books from day one.
From Dream to Institution—With Your Help
Be Part of the Vision
Interested in working together? We’re excited to connect with fellow visionaries and changemakers like you!