International Intensive Academic Course on Shiʿi Theology
The International Intensive Academic Course on Shiʿi Theology by Hikmat International Institute will cover the history, key doctrines, branches, rituals and practices, spiritual teachings as well as political thought of Shiʿi Islam. It will mainly focus on the Twelver Shiʿi tradition, to which the majority of the Shia belong today.
About Course
The International Intensive Academic Course on Shiʿi Theology by Hikmat International Institute will cover the history, key doctrines, branches, rituals and practices, spiritual teachings as well as political thought of Shiʿi Islam. It will mainly focus on the Twelver Shiʿi 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 Shiʿi Theology. This is the most comprehensive course you can find online about Shiʿi Theology as there will be 19 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.
Course Dates: August 2-23, 2023
Hikmat International Institute in association with the University of Exeter and Tehran University
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: 60
Certificate: Academic
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Titles, Lecturers and Dates
(Click on the names of the professors to see their profiles)
Early Islam to the End of Safavid Period
Dr. Shahriar Shojaeepour
Professor at Qom University
Modern Shi’i Theology (Qajars and after)
Dr. Alessandro Cancian
Senior Research Associate
Qur’anic Studies unit at The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Knowledge of God
Dr. Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad al-Husayni
Professor of Shia Islam Studies, Florida International University
Prophethood
Dr. Ammar Nakshawani
Visiting scholar at Columbia University's Middle East Institute and University of Cambridge Centre of Islamic Studies.
The Quran and Revelation
Dr. Seyed Amir Akrami
Professor at Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies
Messianism
Dr. Mahdi Rastifar
Professor at International Institute for Islamic Studies
Wilayah and its Scope
Dr. Sajjad Rizvi
Associate Professor of Islamic Intellectual History and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter
Devotion and Encounter with the Imam
Dr. Vinay Khetia
PhD on ‘History and Philosophy of Shi’i devotional literature’, McMaster University
Religion and Reason
Dr. Yusuf Daneshvar
Professor of Islamic Studies, Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute
Pluralism
Dr. Muhammad Legenhausen
Professor of Philosophy, Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute
Relations with Non-Muslims
Dr. Mohammad Ali Shomali
President of International Institute for Islamic Studies
Scholarships Available
Hikmat International Institute is thrilled to offer scholarships to aspiring students, empowering them to enroll in our Shi'i theology 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 theology. 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 theology. Apply now for the Hikmat International Institute scholarship and take the first step towards this fascinating educational experience.