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Javdan-nama (also known as Javdan-nama-ye kabir or Javdan-nama-ye elahi), the major work of Fadhl-Allah Astarabadi (d. 1394; q.v.), the founder of the Hurufi movement. The title, which can be translated from Persian either as the “Eternal Book” or as the “Book of Eternity”, has been transcribed here as Javdan and not Javidan (although this latter form is more current in Persian and is often used in contemporary literature on the Hurufis
), because early Hurufi authors mostly use the form without the “ya” between the “waw” and the “dal”.
The main aim of the publication is to explain how interpreters of the Qur’an have used the actual words of the text to articulate different views and interpretations.
The IIS continued its programme of book launch events and scholar visits in the latter half of 2015, reaching more than 1,500 people across eight countries. Attendees to these events included diplomats, academics and students from leading global universities, as well as members of the Ismaili community in Canada, India, Kenya, Portugal, Tajikistan, the UK and the USA.
This is an edited version of an article that was originally published in the Encyclopaedia Iranica, Vol. XIV, Fasc. 4, p. 349, in December 2008.
Ja‘far b. Manusr al-Yaman was a high-ranking Ismaili author who flourished during the reigns of the first four Fatimid caliphs. His father, Ibn Hawshab (d. 302 AH / 914 CE), originated from a learned Shi‘a family of Kufa, and pioneered the Ismaili da‘wa in Yaman, where his conquests earned him the honorific title of Mansur al-Yaman (Conqueror of Yaman). Ja‘far’s detailed account of his father’s life (Sirat abihi) has been largely preserved through quotations. After Ibn Hawshab’s death, Ja‘far was his only son to remain faithful to the mission (da‘wa).
This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Al-Kitab: La Sacralité du Texte Dans Le Monde de l‘Islam. Actes du Symposium International Tenu à Leuven et Louvain-la-Neuve du 29 Mai au 1 Juin 2002, ed. Daniel De Smet, Godefroyde Callataÿ, and JanVan Reeth, published by Acta Orientalia Belgica, Subsidia III, 2004, pp. 371-87.
In the following article, Dr Ali-de-Unzaga brings to light how, besides Qur’anic quotations, the Epistles of the Brethren of Purity (Rasa’il Ikhwan al-Safa’) include quotes and ‘pseudo-quotes’ from the Torah, the ‘Books of the Prophets’ and the Gospels, as well as traditions, sayings and passages attributed to or dealing with Biblical Prophets.
He has focused discussions in this paper on quotes related to the conversations between Moses and God (the Munajat Musa, or Masa’il Musa). He analyses the way the Munajat tradition has been incorporated into the Epistles, with special reference to its origins and contents, whether they appear in fragments cited in diverse works or in unpublished manuscripts entitled Munajat Musa.
The IIS alumni association is pleased to announce the leadership appointments for the Asian, European and North American Chapter Groups. Established in 2005, the alumni association aims to strengthen the relationship between the Institute and its graduates by supporting the personal, academic and professional development of its alumni. There are also regular opportunities that enable individuals to share their research and knowledge, network and dialogue with their peers and other like-minded professionals.
The Institute of Ismaili Studies participated in the 49th Annual Meeting of the Middle Eastern Studies Association of North America (MESA) in Denver, USA.
How human virtue can help to achieve social harmony? Read Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi's reflections on faith and ethics based upon the speech made by His Highness the Aga Khan at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, 2006.
The first Seminar for the IIS Doctoral Scholarship recipients was held in London at The Institute of Ismaili Studies on 23 -24 October.