Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah International Islamic University (UniSHAMS) is a university wholly owned by the Kedah Darul Aman State Government and registered with the Ministry of Education Malaysia (DU051 (K)).
UniSHAMS which was formerly known as the Kedah Darul Aman State Islamic Religious Institute before being upgraded to INSANIAH University College (KUIN) on 15 May 2006. The Kedah state government has worked hard to create an Islamic higher education center in the state that is suitable for the status of a a state that excelled in the history of the development of Islamic scholars once upon a time.
The initial objective of the establishment of the Kedah Darul Aman Islamic Religious Institute is to produce more Islamic professionals who are able to lead the community and expand Islamic knowledge. In addition, to accommodate students who have graduated from religious schools to further their studies to a higher level.
The establishment of the Kedah Darul Aman Islamic Institute is also to restore the true tradition of Islamic studies for the good of religion, race and country. His Majesty the Sultan of the State of Kedah Darul Aman has approved the Jamiah Islam Enactment of the State of Kedah Darul Aman which was passed by the State Legislative Assembly on 7 December 1994 under Enactment No. 4 of 1995.
With the establishment of the Islamic Religious Institute of the State of Kedah Darul Aman, a new history has been recorded for the State of Kedah which has created a center of pure Islamic higher learning and University status. This is very appropriate for a State that has many centers of Islamic studies since time immemorial.
Among the main purpose of the establishment of the Kedah Darul Aman Islamic Religious Institute is to improve the quality of Islamic studies and Arabic language to produce a generation of religious scholars, intellectuals, Islamic intellectuals and scholars who are authoritative, capable, faithful and respond to the needs of Islamic affairs from time to time.
In the early stages of its establishment, the Islamic Religious Institute of Kedah Darul Aman has conducted a twinning program of study at the University level with Al-Azhar University, Egypt which awarded Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates. Jamiah Islam Negeri Kedah Darul Aman established three majors, namely, Syariah Department, Usuluddin Department and Arabic Language Department.
The academic year began on January 2, 1996. Arabic is the medium of instruction, while English is a compulsory subject. Kedah Darul Aman Islamic Religious Institute uses a term system to suit the system conducted at Al-Azhar University. In order to maintain the academic quality of Jamiah Islam Negeri Kedah Darul Aman, the academic staff is selected from among the competent scholars with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree or its equivalent.
UniSHAMS aims to be a knowledge center of international standard in an effort to produce graduates who are able to master knowledge in professional and religious fields towards excellence in the world and the hereafter.