In response to a need for reliable, balanced and accessible books on Islam, this series is aimed at non-specialists readers seeking to learn about lived expressions of Islam within the context of the global Ismaili community, and beyond.
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 and Indic languages. In addition, IIS also holds several hundred volumes of rare...
Why is the shari ‘ a — the mention of which stirs up problematic images in many parts of the world — understood in the ways that it is today? For Muslims and non-Muslims alike, much is read into this term, often with scant regard for its historical...
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 .
Shi`i Ismaili Muslims are unique in following a living, hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), whom they believe to be directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad. The Imam's duty has been to guide his community with Islamic principles that apply to...
The IIS is delighted to announce the release of the first book in the World of Islam series – in print, e-book and audiobook formats. This new series has been created for a general, non-academic, audience in order to provide engaging introductions...
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) was established in 1977 with the objective of promoting scholarship and learning on Muslim cultures and societies, historical as well as contemporary, and encouraging a better understanding of their...
Eplore a photo album featuring diverse historical and contemporary Muslim Spaces of Worship and Gathering that reflect the rich intellectual, cultural, spiritual and institutional pluralism of the worldwide Muslim community, Umma . Share your...
In July 2018, The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) will be moving to its new premises, at the Aga Khan Centre. The Centre is located in King’s Cross, at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. The Aga Khan Centre, designed by Maki and Associates...
The Institute of Ismaili Studies was established in 1977 to promote scholarship of Muslim cultures and societies, historical as well as contemporary, leading to a better understanding of their relationship with other societies and faiths.
Dr Esmail begins his article with an overview of how and when the idea of the IIS was conceptualised. He makes it clear at the outset that the IIS is not just a platform for Ismaili scholarship but...
In this interview Dr. Mohamed Keshavjee elaborates on the approaches of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in terms of their role in legal systems, and their interaction with shari‘a in several...
This article discusses two verses from the second chapter of the Qr'an, Surat al-Baqara, 2:111-112 in an attempt to demonstrate the spiritual sterility of polemics and the logical absurdity of...
This lecture by Dr Omar Ali-de- Unzaga gives a glimpse into the multitude of interpretations of the Qur’an that have been in coexistence for more than a thousand years.
A number of concepts in the Qur’an signify the ethical dimensions of human life. Read Professor Azim Nanji's thoughts on how the whole spectrum of Muslim values is inspired by these concepts and...
