Islamic University, a Learning University; Needs and Challenges

This study aims at evaluating how an Islamic University needs to have the components and characteristics of a learning university, and detecting the challenges faced. Using a descriptive- analytical approach, this library-based study rests upon the views of educational management scholars. The results show that 1- the main slogans of a learning university are "learning from practice and learning -based practice", and “modesty in learning and generosity in teaching”, which very well fit the fundamentals of the Islamic University. 2- University is a vital institution in the Process of development of any nation and is a crossroad between the three domains of culture, power and knowledge. No doubt, educational system and Islamic university operate within a society and its culture, and continuously interacts with the society. 3- In this era of knowledge, only things that are in constant change can be firmly established in life. Therefore, preservation of the culture of professional education, rapid response to changes, and creation of learning culture i.e. the culture which is organized for making changes as quickly as possible, are regarded as sustainable competitive advantages of universities. Universities, especially an Islamic university, should be equipped with the components of a learning university in order to remain in the state of competition. 4- considering the Islamic university’s reliance on the two foundations of culture and value-based leadership and dependence of learning universities on cultural infrastructures (mental models, team learning, and individual skill) and leadership (shared vision and systemic thinking), to enjoy the characteristics of a learning university is not out of reach. What is needed for turning an Islamic University into a learning university is replacement of a controlling leadership with a facilitating and evolutionist leadership.