Abdurahman Al-Adeni says:

The reality is that the Islamic University (in Madinah) was once one of the most prominent academic institutions in the world, producing and graduating distinguished scholars. However, in recent times, the university has fallen under the influence of many Hizbees, including directors, teachers, and professors. One cannot be assured of attending a lecture or summer programme without encountering instructors who hold Hizbi views. How, then, could one feel secure in a programme lasting at least four years, where some professors are Hizbees, some inclined toward Surooriyyah and Qutbi (extremist views), and others leaning toward Soofiyyah? Truly, one cannot feel safe in such an environment. Imagine, my brother, if a summer programme were announced in your own city, with both scholars of the Sunnah and those from groups of innovation involved. Some of those instructors may indeed be scholars. But would choose to do? Bearing in mind that these same scholars hold lessons in their own locations. I don't think you would attend (such a programme) to safeguard your Deen and Manhaj, instead you would go to the scholars in their masjids and locations. The same applies to the Islamic University—some may escape unharmed, but many fall into pitfalls due to the presence of these instructors. Four years under such teachers can greatly influence a student. Our advice to our brothers is not to pursue studies there. Whoever seeks knowledge should seek it directly from the scholars, whether in the Kingdom, Yemen, or elsewhere. Going to the university solely for a certificate offers little benefit. Many of those who have joined universities in recent years, we have not seen them being granted Tawfeeq. They invest years to graduate with a degree. Do you expect that after graduation, they will come to come to Dammaj or willingly lead prayers in a neighborhood masjid or serve as an imam in a village? Or will they instead seek positions based on their degree? In our experience, most pursue jobs to secure their livelihood, often ending up in ineffective schools or institutes that contribute little of value. The majority of their time is then consumed in environments that prioritise certifications over genuine knowledge. So, my brothers, the harm is not limited to the study period alone; it extends beyond, into the pursuit of jobs based on that certificate.