Voices of IIS with Dr Najam Abbas

Discover Dr Najam Abbas’s academic journey and his role in The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, bringing Persian and Central Asian Islamic traditions to English-speaking audiences worldwide.

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Dr Najam Abbas in a formal suit posing against a colourful background.

Exploring the Epistles of the Brethren of Purity

Join IIS scholars as they explore the Rasāʾil Ikhwān al‑Ṣafāʾ, examining its philosophical foundations, thematic structure and lasting influence on Islamic intellectual traditions in this engaging multimedia feature.

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Book cover of The Epistles of the Brethren of Purity with title Rasail Ikhwan al Safa on a blue background

About us

The Institute of Ismaili Studies, established in 1977, is a higher education, research and teaching institution dedicated to high-quality scholarship and education on Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili and broader Shiʿi studies, encompassing their historical and geographical contexts.

Graduate studies

We currently offer two graduate programmes that attract students from Ismaili communities worldwide.

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Short Courses

Our Short Courses introduce participants to social, cultural, and civilisational approaches to the study of Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili contexts.

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Scholarship and Fellowship

The Institute offers several scholarship and fellowship programmes to suitable candidates with a focus on Islamic studies or other areas of interest to IIS.

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Discover our research

Research at IIS seeks to contribute to the field of Islamic studies in general, with a particular focus on Shiʿi and Ismaili studies.

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Explore our publications

The Institute of Ismaili Studies publishes works by its own scholars as well as from the academic community outside the Institute.

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Heritage

Summits of courage: voices from the Pamir mountains

Discover Episode One of Voices Connected celebrating mountain cultures of the Pamirs. Hear stories of resilience from legendary climbers and community leaders across Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan.

Watch episode one