The classes of MA Islamic Studies started in 1982 under the administrative control of the Institute of Islamic Studies and Arabic in a borrowed building of a local school. The Department was shifted in the university’s “Languages Block” in 1986 and was housed alongwith the Departments of English, Arabic and Urdu. In 1996 the Institute was bifurcated by the University in two separate departments i.e. Islamic Studies and Arabic. The Department shifted in its own building in 2008. The Department has tailored a 2-Year program of M.A. Islamic Studies. In addition to the Master’s program, the Department also has the facilities for M.Phil and Doctoral programs. The Department of Islamic Studies will start BS in Islamic Studies from the coming session (2009-10).

Main Objectives:
1. To educate the students who could analyze modern social science i.e. Economics, Philosophy, Political Science and Sociology etc. in the light of the teachings of Islam.
2. To present scientifically and effectively the truth of the revolutionary teachings of Islam in every field of life.
3. To produce the scholars who are experts of Islamic Education with an exposure to modern scientific, technological and social development.
4. To promote the skills to perform the duties in legislation, research, management, teaching and Islamic Banking.
5. To promote the tolerance, brotherhood, unity among the Muslim Ummah, moderation, broad-mindedness, love with mortal and other Islamic values, through academic activities.

Department’s Building
The Department’s own building was approved and funded by the Higher Education Commission, Islamabad in 2004. The construction work started on October 14, 2006. It was completed on August 13, 2007. Its covered area is 12603 s.ft. The total amount spent is Rs. 92,06,255/- The building is comprised of class rooms, Seminar Hall, Reference Library, Computer Lab, Girls Common Room and thirteen offices for teachers, administration and examination record. The building was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on 5th May, 2008.

Islamic Research Centre (IRC)
Islamic Research Centre was established in 2007. Dr. Muhammad Akram Rana was appointed its first Director. The Centre at present, is working in the building of Department of Islamic Studies. The main aims of the Centre are to develop a methodology for research in the various fields of Islamic learning, to identify and study contemporary problems and interpret the teachings of Islam in order to assist Muslim Ummah to live according to the imperatives of Islam. The results of the work done at the Centre are to be published in books, monographs, research reports and a quarterly Journal of the Islamic Research Centre. The Centre will also organize Seminars, Conferences and Workshops to achieve and promote its objectives.
The master plan of the Centre will cover the following fields:-
1. Translation of significant Islamic texts related to Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Tasawuf and Social Sciences.
2. Compilation, translation and publication of useful materials carefully selected from the most outstanding works of Islamic learning.

Objectives of the Centre
The objectives are:
1. To act as the research agent of the Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan and conduct research in the fields prescribed by the Academic Council.
2. To publish monographs, books, research reports, research journal and such other research material as may be considered necessary for the promotion of knowledge on various aspects of Islam.
3. To organize seminars, conferences, exhibitions and workshops to promote harmonious understanding amongst various schools of thought in Muslim societies.
4. To highlight the achievements of the saints of Multan region and setup an archive of rare Islamic Literature.

Seerat Chair(SC)
The Seerat Chair is functional since 2002 in the Department of Islamic Studies. The main purpose of the chair is to develop interest in several areas of Seerat al-Nabi studies and research. The Chair, at present, is working on compilation of the Seerah work published in the country.

Objectives of the Chair
1. To study and promote the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the context of contemporary world’s needs.
2. To misconceptions regarding life and mission of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with scientific methods.
3. To publish books and research reports for transfering the knowledge on various aspects of the Seerah.
4. To organize Seminars, Conferences and national/international scholars’ lectures to explore the new fields of seerah studies in the present age.