21st November 2019
South Asia
The Mughal dynasty is renowned for its great architecture and patronage of the arts. Perhaps more than any other Islamic
31st May 2019
Sufi traditions
On 26 March, Professor Omid Safi, Director of Duke University’s Islamic Studies Centre, took audiences through a mystical journey in
10th April 2018
This lecture by Dr Omar Ali-de- Unzaga gives a glimpse into the multitude of interpretations of the Qur’an that exist.
5th February 2016
In this 27 min joint presentation, Professors Lawrence and Habib share insights into their ongoing work on a poetic translation
20th August 2015
Civil Society
Note: This recording was made many years ago and, as such, its quality does not comply with our currents standards.
5th June 2015
Quran
This 28-minute lecture by Professor Angelika Neuwirth (Freie Universitat Berlin), a leading scholar in Qur’anic studies, invites viewers to acontextual
10th November 2014
Quran
The lecture elaborates on the importance of Tafsir tradition in the study of the Qur’an . The primary focus of
4th August 2011
Approaches to Islam
This video is a 55 minute recording of Professor Bosworth’s lecture delivered in 1983 on ‘ British Orientalism and the
8th November 2010
Fatimids
The video is a 40 minute lecture by Professor Paul Walker that took place at The Institute of Ismaili Studies
5th August 2010
Muslim Values
The video is an 40 minute lecture by Professor Farid Esack hosted by the Department of Community Relations, which took
22nd July 2010
Shi'i Studies
The video shows the entire 40 minute lecture, which took place at The Institute of Ismaili Studies on 18 March
1st August 2019
Shi'i Studies
Download the Persian transcript with English translation here. In his detailed study of Shi‘i Islam, spanning over decades, Dr Daftary observes that Shi‘a Muslims have...
6th December 2018
This short video introduces one of the oldest manuscripts of the Qur’an , the Sana‘a Palimpsest, dating back to the 1st-2nd century AH / 7th...
23rd February 2018
Collections
The IIS holds one of the most significant repositories in the world of materials related to Ismaili communities, comprising nearly 3,000 manuscripts in Arabic, Persian...
5th February 2018
Ismaili Studies
Nasir-i Khusraw was a renowned poet, philosopher, and Ismaili missionary of the eleventh CE century. Among his many accomplishments, he is credited for having introduced...
15th January 2018
The 22 minute video interview with Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi on his book, “Spiritual Quest: Reflections on Qur’anic prayer according to the teachings of Imam Ali”...
30th March 2017
This 22 min video features a brief introduction to the competing Muslim powers on either side of the western Mediterranean in the 10th century CE:...
28th April 2016
This 30 min interview with Dr Toby Mayer elaborates on the ‘Poem on the Soul’ ( Qasidat al- nafs ), traditionally attributed to Ibn Sina...
14th January 2016
In this 21 min interview, Dr Orkhan Mir-Kasimov provides an insight into the Hurufis , a mystical and messianic current that became particularly active in...
4th November 2015
The volume approaches lexicology of the Qur’an through a range of disciplines including linguistics, law, literary criticism, gender and mysticism. It also features contributions made...
10th July 2015
Abstract Shi‘i Islam, with its rich and extensive history, has played a crucial role in the evolution of Islam as both a major world religion...
5th June 2015
All major civilisations of the world have cultivated a philosophical tradition, but only a few have had a continuous tradition with surviving texts. Persia is...
5th June 2015
All major civilisations of the world have cultivated a philosophical tradition, but only a few have had a continuous tradition with surviving texts. Persia is...
5th June 2015
Shi'i Studies
Shi‘i Muslims, with their rich intellectual and cultural heritage, have contributed significantly to the richness and diversity of the Islamic traditions throughout the centuries. However,...
22nd January 2015
Focusing on the reign of the fourth Fatimid Imam - Caliph al-Mu‘izz li- Din Allah (953 - 975 CE), Dr Jiwa reflects on the principles...
10th November 2014
Muslim Civilisations
This 21-minute video interview with Dr Amyn Sajoo on his book entitled, A Companion to Muslim Cultures, elaborates on the diverse historical, cultural and geographical...
29th August 2014
This 21-minute video interview with Dr Amyn Sajoo on his book entitled, A Companion to Muslim Cultures, elaborates on the diverse historical, cultural and geographical...
4th October 2013
Islam
Dr. Mohamed Keshavjee’s book, “Islam, Sharia and Alternative Dispute Resolution” examines both Sunni and Shi‘a applications of Islamic law, demonstrating how political, cultural and other...
16th December 2011
Muslim Literature
Publication: On Music - An Arabic Critical Edition and English Translation of Epistle 5 Editor & Translator: Professor Owen Wright Questions addressed in the interview:...
30th November 2011
Intellectual traditions
Publication : Fortresses of the Intellect: Ismaili and other Islamic Studies in Honour of Farhad Daftary Editor : Dr Omar Ali-de-Unzaga Questions addressed in the...
14th November 2011
Civil Society
Publication: A Companion to Muslim Ethics Editor: Dr Amyn B Sajoo Questions addressed in the interview: 1. What was the rationale behind the compilation of...
26th April 2011
Ismaili Studies
Publication: Surviving the Mongols: Nizari Quhistani and the Continuity of Ismaili Tradition in Persia Author: Dr Nadia Eboo Jamal 1. What was your motivation or...
4th November 2010
Muslim Literature
Publication: The Case of the Animals versus Man Before the King of the Jinn: An Arabic Critical Edition and English Translation of Epistle 22 Editors...
16th September 2010
Muslim Civilisations
Publication: Living in Historic Cairo: Past and Present in an Islamic City Editors: Professor Azim Nanji , Dr Farhad Daftary and Professor Elizabeth Fernea Questions...
13th August 2010
Intellectual discourses
Publication: Keys to the Arcana: Shahrastani’s Esoteric Commentary on the Qur’an Translator: Dr Toby Mayer Questions addressed in the interview: 1. What is the significance...
27th August 2009
Fatimids
Publication: Towards a Shi'i Mediterranean Empire: Fatimid Egypt and the Founding of Cairo Translated by: Dr Shainool Questions addressed in the interview: 1. Could you...
27th August 2009
Intellectual discourses
Publication: Epistles of the Brethren of Purity: Rasa'il Ikhawan al-Safa Editor: Dr Nader El-Bizri Questions addressed in the interview: 1. Can you briefly introduce the...
27th August 2009
Muslim Civilisations
Publication: A Companion to the Muslim World Editor: Dr Amyn B. Sajoo Questions addressed in the interview: 1. Many introductions to Islam and Muslims have...
27th August 2009
Islam
Publication: Encyclopedia Islamica Editor: Dr Farhad Daftary Questions addressed in the interview: Given that there is already an Encyclopedia of Islam, why was there a...
13th August 2009
Intellectual discourses
Publication: An Anthology of Qur’anic Commentaries - Volume I: On the Nature of the Divine Editors: Dr Feras Hamza and Dr Sajjad Rizvi with Farhana...
17th June 2009
Ismaili Heritage
Publication: 'Eagle’s Nest: Ismaili Castles in Iran and Syria' Author: Major Peter Willey The author of Eagle’s Nest: Ismaili Castles in Iran and Syria, published...
19th June 2008
Civil Society
Publication: 'Muslim Ethics: Emerging Vistas' Author: Dr Amyn B. Sajoo Questions addressed: 1. The cover of the book features an image depicting Noah’s Ark –...
17th April 2008
Islam
Lecturer: Dr Mohamed Keshavjee Topic: 'Bridging Legal Modernity and Tradition: Alternative Dispute Resolution in Muslim Contexts' Abstract: From the outset, a non-adversarial approach to dispute...
31st March 2008
Muslim Civilisations
This is an interview with Dr Ismail Serageldin, which took place at The Institute of Ismaili Studies following his lecture on 'Modernisation and Cultural Identity...
21st February 2008
Muslim Civilisations
This is an interview with Dr Amira Bennison, which took place at The Institute of Ismaili Studies following her talk on ' The Umma in...
25th January 2008
Civil Society
Lecturer: Prof Sami Zubaida Topic: 'Everyday modernity in the Arab world' Abstract: Modernity in many parts of the Arab world and Turkey dates back to...
28th November 2007
Civil Society
Lecturer: Amyn B Sajoo Topic: Introductory Remarks to Contemporary Islams & Muslim (s) Lecture Series: Feminisms and Islams 1. The first questio n has to...
28th November 2007
Intellectual discourses
Lecturer: Raficq Abdulla Topic: Rumi to Adonis: The Conference of the Birds' Abstract: Where does poetry get you? What is the role of poetry and...
7th November 2007
Ismaili Studies
Publication: Nasir Khusraw, The Ruby of Badakhshan: A Portrait of the Persian Poet, Traveller and Philosopher Author: Dr Alice C Hunsberger Questions addressed in the...
6th November 2007
Shi'i Studies
Publication: Justice and Remembrance: Introducing the Spirituality of Imam ‘Ali Author: Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi In this 28 min Interview, Dr Shah-Kazemi elaborates on Imam ‘Ali’s...
9th July 2007
Ismaili Studies
The author of Eagle’s Nest: Ismaili Castles in Iran and Syria, published by I. B. Tauris in association with The Institute of Ismaili Studies in...
26th September 2019
Sharia
They propose that sharia is underpinned by ethical principles, and is open to change depending on context and circumstance. As such, the authors encourage new
15th March 2018
This video presents highlights from the lectures delivered on the occasion of IIS' 40th anniversary under the themes of heritage, knowledge, people and the future .
12th September 2007
This video consists of highlights from the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2007 at the Ismaili Centre in London on the afternoon of 10
1st March 2005
Professor Azim Nanji The 25th Anniversary Graduation Ceremony Le Meridien Grosvenor House Hotel, London, October 19, 2003 Download PDF version of speech (35 KB) Your
26th November 2004
Sabrina Datoo, The 25th Anniversary Graduation Ceremony Le Meridien Grosvenor House Hotel, London Download PDF version of speech (31.8 KB) Your Highness, Distinguished Guests, Good
15th May 2019
Part of the Ismaili Texts and Translations Series , the The First Aga Khan - Memoirs of the 46th Ismaili Imam is the first English
28th March 2019
The First Aga Khan - Memoirs of the 46th Ismaili Imam offers a new Persian edition and the first English translation of the Ibrat-afza ,
17th August 2011
The Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP) is a course of study for practicing and prospective teachers. STEP’s mission is to address the need for professional
23rd July 2007
All images in this article are copyright The Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Spirit & Life displays over 165 objects exemplifying the development and diversity
10th March 2004
Samples of Tajik songs Project Tajikistan at the IIS, in association with the Ismaili Council and ITREB USA, presented this multi-dimensional programme in seven American
10th March 2004
Like other Ismaili Muslim communities, the Ismailis of Tajikistan have inherited a distinct social and cultural heritage as well as religious traditions that are shaped,