Category Archives: Institute of Ismaili Studies

IIS Announces PhD Scholarship Awards for 2010

Posted on October 14, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Since 1997, The Institute of Ismaili Studies has been awarding doctoral scholarships to suitable candidates whose work contributes to the academic mandate of the IIS. The two recipients of the 2010 cycle of the scholarship are Laila Kadiwal and Sorbon … Continue reading →

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IIS scholars participate in World Congress of Middle Eastern Studies

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Several IIS scholars took part in the third World Congress of Middle Eastern Studies (WOCMES), held in Barcelona from 19 to 24 July, 2010. This year’s Congress was hosted by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. IIS publications were also on … Continue reading →

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IIS: In Memory of Professor Mohammed Arkoun

Posted on September 18, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Professor Mohammed Arkoun, one of the most prominent and influential figures in Islamic Studies, passed away in Paris on 14 September 2010 at the age of 82 years. Professor Arkoun was Senior Research Fellow in the IIS’ Department of Academic … Continue reading →

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IIS: Diversity and Pluralism in Islam: Historical and Contemporary Discourses amongst Muslims

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

For more than fourteen hundred years, Muslims have held multiple and diverging views about many aspects of their religious tradition including religious authority, ritual practice, political power, law and governance, civic life, and the form and content of individual and … Continue reading →

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Qur’anic Studies Lecture on Pragmatic Aspects of the Religious Text

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

The Qur’anic Studies Unit hosted an occasional lecture by Dr Asma Hilali of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris entitled Pragmatic Aspects of the Religious Text: The San‘a Qur’an Palimpsest in May 2010. In her presentation, Dr Hilali … Continue reading →

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IIS: STEP Cycle 5 Announcement‏

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Contact : iis-step@usaji.org  Phone: (281) 980-4747 ext 801. URL:  http://www.iis.ac.uk/view_article.asp?ContentID=106627

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Fifth Lecture in Shi‘i Studies Lecture Series

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

The fifth lecture in the Shi‘i Studies Lecture Series was entitled The Zaydi Reception of Abu l-Husayn al-Basri and Ibn al-Malahimi: Husam al-Din ‘Abd Allah b. Zayd al-‘Ansi (d. 1268 CE) and his Kitab al-Mahajja al-bayda. It was delivered by … Continue reading →

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Harvard University Professor Ali Asani discusses a new course on Ismaili history and thought

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

In the spring of 2010, Harvard University, for the first time in its history, offered a course on Ismaili History and Thought. Shenila S. Khoja-Moolji had the opportunity to take the course, and spoke with Professor Ali Asani, Professor of … Continue reading →

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IIS Appoints Head of the Department of Graduate Studies

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is delighted to welcome Dr Fayyaz Vellani as Head of the Department of Graduate Studies. In this role, Dr Vellani has overall responsibility for the strategic development, leadership and management of the Department of … Continue reading →

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IIS: The Case of the Animals versus Man: A New Children’s Publication

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Adapted from the original Arabic text by Hooda al-Shawwa’ al-Qaddumi, this abridged version of the famous fable: Epistle 22 of the Rasa’il Ihkwan al-Safa’ (Epistles of the Brethren of Purity) was first published in Iraq in the 10th century CE. … Continue reading →

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IIS: Striving Towards Leadership By Professor Karim H Karim

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Abstract The attributes of modesty, patience, humility, knowledge, forbearance and consultation are highlighted by His Highness the Aga Khan as attributes for good leadership, following a saying by Imam Ali. This article expands on the theme of successful leadership as … Continue reading →

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IIS: Music and Poetry from the Pamir Mountains

Posted on July 4, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

The musical traditions of Badakshan have been influenced by the surrounding Muslim cultural context but inaaccessibility of the Pamir Mountains has been an important factor in the development and preservation of some of the unique musical practices of Badakhshan.  Badakhshan … Continue reading →

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IIS New Publication: Culture and Memory in Medieval Islam

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Essays in Honor of Wilferd Madelung Edited by Farhad Daftary and Josef W. Meri  This book explores broad-ranging themes relating to memory, memorization, memorializing or commemorating in a variety of historical, legal, literary and architectural contexts. Distinguished scholars like Abbas … Continue reading →

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Institute of Ismaili Studies Scholar Speaks at University of Lincoln

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Dr Nader El-Bizri delivered a talk on 14 April 2010 at the School of Architecture, Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design, at the University of Lincoln. This presentation was part of a faculty seminar organised by the East Midlands History … Continue reading →

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Internationally Acclaimed Author, M.G. Vassanji gives IIS Book Reading

Posted on May 27, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

M.G. Vassanji, an author of international standing, gave a book reading at the Institute on 8 April, 2010. He read from his latest book, A Place Within, a travel memoir of his visits to India. An earlier book, The Gunny … Continue reading →

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Institute of Ismaili Studies: Alnoor Merchant Speaks on Patronage in Islamic Art

Posted on May 21, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Alnoor Merchant, Head Librarian and Keeper of Special Collections at The Institute of Ismaili Studies recently visited Arlington, Waco, Austin and Chicago in the USA to talk about artistic, intellectual and architectural patronage in the Islamic world. He also spoke … Continue reading →

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Degrees of Excellence: A Fatimid Treatise on Leadership in Islam

Posted on May 8, 2010 by Ahmad Amirali

Degrees of Excellence: A Fatimid Treatise on Leadership in Islam Dr Arzina R Lalani Degrees of Excellence is a bilingual work of decisive importance to the philosophical curriculum of medieval Muslim thought. It introduces the first book-length study of Ahmad … Continue reading →

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