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
Hikmat International Institute in association with Ahl-ul-Bait University and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
About Shiʿi Islam
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.
Target group
Professors, researchers and university students in the field of religious studies, Islamic studies, political studies, history, regional studies and anyone else who is interested in the topic with a good command of English!
General info
Subject: Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies
Language of instruction: English
Length: 3 weeks
Contact hours: 54
Certificate: Academic
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Titles, Lecturers and Dates
(Click on the names of the professors to see their profiles)
The Twelve Imams: Life, Times, and Context
Dr. Hossein Kamaly
Professor of Islamic Studies, Hartford Seminary
Doctrine of Mahdi and the Occultation
Dr. Abdulaziz Sachedina
IIIT Chair in Islamic Studies, George Mason University
Ethical Teachings of Ahl al-Bayt
Dr. Mohammad Ali Shomali
President of International Institute for Islamic Studies
Shiʿi Devotions
Dr. Vinay Khetia
PhD on ‘History and Philosophy of Shi’i devotional literature’, McMaster University
Spirituality and Mysticism in Shiʿi Islam
Dr. Alessandro Cancian
Senior Research Associate
Qur’anic Studies unit at The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Intellectual Traditions in Shiʿi Islam
Dr. Sajjad Rizvi
Associate Professor of Islamic Intellectual History and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter
Shiʿi Religious Authority, Ijtihād and Fatwā
Dr. Morteza Rezazadeh
President of Hikmat International Institute
Political Thought in Shiʿi Islam
Dr. Seyed Sadegh Haghighat
Professor of Political Sciences, Mofid University
Shiʿi Islam and Contemporary Iran
Dr. Mohammad Samiei
Associate Professor at Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran
Women in Shiʿi Islam
Dr. Liselotte Abid
Lecturer at University of Vienna, Department of Near Eastern Studies
Shiʿi Islam and the Religious Other
Dr. Muhammad Legenhausen
Professor of Philosophy, Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute
Scholarships Available
Hikmat International Institute is thrilled to offer scholarships to aspiring students, empowering them to enroll in our Shi'i studies course. We are committed to expanding access and fostering a diverse community of learners. Therefore, we invite applications from passionate individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of Shi'i studies. To ensure equal opportunities for all, we will be granting scholarships to up to ten exceptional individuals. These scholarships will be awarded based on a comprehensive evaluation of applicants' qualifications and resumes. If you are selected, you will have the incredible opportunity to participate in this course completely free of charge.
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 within five days of receiving your application. 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 Shi'i studies. Apply now for the Hikmat International Institute scholarship and take the first step towards this fascinating educational experience.