International Academic Course on Shiʿi Studies
Hikmat International Institute, an independent educational institute, in association with Ahl-ul-Bait University and Ferdowsi University, is pleased to announce that it will be organizing an intensive academic course on Shiʿi Studies from July 12 to 31, 2021.

About Course
The International Intensive Academic Course on Shi’i Studies by Hikmat International Institute will cover the history, key doctrines, branches, rituals and practices, spiritual teachings as well as political thought of Shi’i Islam. It will mainly focus on the Twelver Shi’i tradition, to which the majority of the Shia belong today. This is a university-level course and is designed mainly for students and academics who wish to enhance their understanding of Shi’i Islam. This is the most comprehensive course you can find online about Shi’i Islam as there will be 18 sessions to cover a wide variety of different aspects of this important faith tradition. Instructors are among the best academics in these fields. Each session will be 2 to 3 hours based on the plan of the instructor to be made up of activities and delivery as they see fit.
Below you can find the names of the professors and the topics that will be covered during the program.
This course have been held on July 12 – 31, 2021



Like all other major religions, Islam has been divided into several schools and denominations. The two main branches in Islam are Sunnism and Shiʿism. Sunni Muslims endorsed the historical caliphate, while Shiʿi Muslims, supporters of ‘Ali, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet and the fourth caliph, articulated their own distinctive doctrines. The Sunni-Shiʿi schism is often framed as a dispute over the identity of the successor to Muhammad, whereas in reality, Sunni and Shiʿi Muslims also differ on a number of seminal theological doctrines concerning the nature of God and legitimate political and religious authority.
Shiʿi Islam as the second largest group in the Muslim world and as the largest religious community in several countries including Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and Lebanon has gained the attention of scholars of religion and researches more than anytime in the history. The Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979 and its huge national and international geopolitical outcomes was an important factor that caused many to realize the importance of having a deeper understanding of the religious undercurrents in the Middle East in particular and in the world in general. Also, Shiʿi Islam is known today as a distinctive and vibrant community of Muslims with a remarkable capacity for reinvention and adaptation, grounded in a unique theological interpretation of Islam.

Professors, researchers and university students in the field of religious studies, Islamic studies, philosophy, history of philosophy, Islamic Philosophy, regional studies and anyone else who is interested in the topic with a good command of English!
Subject: Islamic Studies, Islamic Philosophy
Language of instruction: English
Length: 2 weeks
Contact hours: 24
Certificate: Academic
Los Angeles (PST): 8:30 am
New York (EST): 11:30 am
London (GMT): 4:30 pm
CET: 5:30 pm
Tehran: 8:00 pm
(Click on the names of the professors to see their profiles)

Professor of Islamic Studies, Hartford Seminary

IIIT Chair in Islamic Studies, George Mason University

Dr. Khalil Andani
Assistant Professor of Religion, Augustana College

President of International Institute for Islamic Studies

Dr. Vinay Khetia
PhD on ‘History and Philosophy of Shi’i devotional literature’, McMaster University

Dr. Alessandro Cancian
Senior Research Associate
Qur’anic Studies unit at The Institute of Ismaili Studies

Dr. Sajjad Rizvi
Associate Professor of Islamic Intellectual History and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter

President of Hikmat International Institute

Professor of Political Sciences, Mofid University

Dr. Mohammad Samiei
Associate Professor at Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran

Lecturer at University of Vienna, Department of Near Eastern Studies

Dr. Muhammad Legenhausen
Professor of Philosophy, Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from best scholars in the field.
Course Fee:
500 Euro
Course Start: January 2, 2025
Course End: January 15, 2025
Registration Deadline:
December 10, 2024
- 50% discount for Earlybird registration
- Scholarship available
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our unique online course in Islamic Philosophy, featuring distinguished professors from renowned universities worldwide. In our commitment to making this exceptional learning opportunity accessible, we are offering a number of scholarships. If you are passionate about advancing your knowledge and wish to be a part of this program, we encourage you to apply for our scholarship.
To apply for this scholarship, simply fill out the form provided on our website, ensuring you provide all the necessary details. Our dedicated team will review your application promptly and get back to you soon. Don’t miss out on this chance to expand your knowledge and engage with a vibrant community of scholars. Join us in our mission to promote intellectual growth and foster a deeper appreciation of academic studies of Islamic philosophy. Apply now for the Hikmat International Institute scholarship and take the first step towards this fascinating educational experience.
You do not need to make a payment at this time! Simply fill out the registration form, and we will provide you with detailed payment instructions once your application is processed. We look forward to welcoming you to the course!
- What is the International Intensive Academic Course on Islamic Philosophy?
The course is a university-level program designed for students and academics interested in enhancing their understanding of Islamic philosophy. It consists of 12 sessions covering various aspects of the subject. - Who is the target audience for this course?
The course is aimed at professors, researchers, university students in religious studies, Islamic studies, philosophy, and anyone with a strong interest in the topic who has a good command of English. - When does the course take place?
The course will run from January 2 to January 15, 2025. - How long is each session?
Each session lasts between 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the instructor’s plan. - Will the lectures be recorded and available for viewing after the live sessions?
Yes, all sessions are recorded and will be made available for viewing after they take place. - Do I need to pay to register?
You do not need to make a payment at this time. Simply fill out the registration form, and we will send you payment instructions once your application is processed. - What is the cost of the course?
The course fee is 500 Euro. However, you can take advantage of our early bird discount by registering before November 3rd.
- Is there a scholarship available?
Yes, scholarships are available for eligible applicants. Please inquire for more details. - How can I contact you if I have further questions?
You can email us at info@hikmat-ins.com.
Our students radiate joy, thriving in a positive and supportive learning environment where they not only acquire knowledge but also cultivate a genuine sense of joy and fulfillment in their educational journey
(Click on the names of the professors to see their profiles)
As I am very interested in the study of Shi’i theology the wide variation of the topics covered fully addressed my expectations. The concept to have for each topic a professor specialized in the subject is indeed unique. I also attended the course you organized in 2021 (July 12th to 31) and the course of this year is the perfect example of my philosophy that study and dedication is a lifelong process.
I really enjoyed the course. Having PowerPoints in most of the presentations was really useful too. I would like to see more work on irfan and examine the mystical aspects of Shi’i Islam too.
I was very glad to have had the opportunity to hear these lectures and to buy a book which is beautiful and profound. Both Dr Shomali and Dr Inloes gave excellent courses. I loved the idea that there is only one sacred book but different editions. I believe in the importance of traditional family roles. Well done, Hikmat!
This was first systematic and comprehensive course in Shi’i Theology for me and I would like to express my gratitude for letting me attend this course.
Thank you for providing us this great opportunity I’ve learned a lot and this course was something that it was a long time I was wishing for.
It was a wonderful three weeks journey of learning and friendship. I thank Hikmat Institute, and all the lecturers and participants for making it to happen.
Thank you very much. brilliant course. learned so much!!
Thank you so much for this lecture and the entire program! I greatly appreciate all of the lecturers and everyone who helped make this possible at the Hikmat Institute!
wonderful program. thank you so much.
Thank you so much such a great program with a brilliant group of researchers and professors. Thank you all.
Thank you for the best description the Mubahila that I’ve heard!
Thanks for such the enlightening presentations. Overwhelming, I’d say.
If you had any questions, please feel free to email us: info@hikmat-ins.com
or send us a message in Telegram at this number: +1 (919) 295-9395