The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Encyclopedia
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is a research institute
in London
, United Kingdom
. It aims to promote the study of Muslim
cultures and societies, both historical and contemporary, in order to foster a greater understanding of their relationships with other societies and faiths. It also functions as a gathering point for the Ismaili community as it endeavors to understand its own history and thought, including the often neglected fields of esoteric Islam
and Shi‘ism.
The Institute draws upon the worldwide knowledge and experience of various institutions and scholars to create awareness through initiatives, publications, and partnerships in the field of Islamic Studies
. Its library, which houses the largest-known accessible collection of Ismaili codices
in the world, is a major resource in the field. In addition to its research, the IIS offers two graduate programmes: the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) and the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP).
Established in 1977 by the Aga Khan
, it functions under his guidance and works closely with the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations at the Aga Khan University
.
, where collections of Ismaili manuscripts had been preserved within Ismaili communities and brought to the fore through the pioneering efforts of Wladimir Ivanow
, Asaf Fyzee, Husayn al-Hamdani, and Zahid Ali. Much of this early work helped to dispel the writings of the nineteenth century orientalists, which were often defamatory albeit unintentionally, having drawn only on the sources of the Ismailis’ adversaries, while over-sensationalizing occidental accounts. Ivanow, in particular, played an important role in the creation of the Ismaili Society of Bombay, which was, in a sense, a precursor to the Institute.
The former Ismaili Society of Bombay was established under the patronage of Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III
in February 1946. The Ismaili Society stood for “the promotion of independent and critical study of all matters connected with Ismailism” and frequently published monographs, critical editions of original texts and collections of short papers. Like the Institute, the Society’s work was involved in studying the field of particular intellectual movements in Islam, with a specific interest in Shi‘ism and Sufism
. With these underlying premises, the Aga Khan chaired the Ismailia Association Conference in April 1975: a four-day meeting in Paris during which groundwork was laid for what was eventually to become the Institute of Ismaili Studies. In November 1977, the Aga Khan made a public announcement that formally proclaimed the inauguration of the Institute. In his remarks the Aga Khan expressed his wish that the Institute become a major institution for his community, while reflecting upon the Fatimid
centres of learning established by his ancestors a millennium before.
and South Asia
. Most of these schools continue to exist today. He and his forefathers trace their ancestry back to the Fatimid Caliph-Imams who were among the first Muslims to establish institutes of higher learning in the history of Islamic civilization. Therefore despite its recent foundation, the Institute draws upon a long historical tradition that is firmly rooted in education and learning and equally cognizant thereof.
of which the Aga Khan is chairman. Afzal Ahmed, Dr. Aziz Esmail, Mohammed Keshavjee, Naguib Kheraj, Zauhar Meghji and Dr. Shafik Sachedina are also sitting members.
The current Co-Director (with Professor Karim H. Karim) and Head of the Department of Academic Research and Publications is Dr. Farhad Daftary
.
in the world. Its role is to preserve, develop and make available a central archive of Ismaili manuscripts, printed texts and audiovisual materials, and to support the activities and programmes of the Institute by providing necessary resources. The Library’s collection comprises some thirty thousand items, including rare manuscripts in Arabic, Persian
and Gujarati
. Many of these manuscripts are described in published catalogues.
The Library also actively seeks to expand its holdings through new acquisitions, donations and by obtaining photocopies and microfilms of manuscripts that are held in various private and institutional collections. The Library’s collection has benefited from a number of private collections that have been donated such as the Dr. Zahid Ali collection of two hundred twenty rare manuscripts, and the Sherali Alidina collection. Much of the early collection, however, predates the foundation of the Institute and represents the holdings of the Ismaili Society of Mumbai.
The collection of curriculum materials produced by the Institute’s Department of Education for the religious and cultural education of the Ismaili community is known as the Ta‘lim Programme. This curriculum is currently available at primary levels for ages four to twelve in eight different languages. The curriculum is also expected to further expand for students at a secondary school level in the near future. Seven types of academic publications are produced by the Institute, as listed below:
It focuses on Islam in general, and in particular on Shi‘ism and the Ismaili community, its history, and its teachings as understood within the Islamic religious tradition. The programme integrates a variety of disciplines into the study of Muslim societies, including history, anthropology, political science, philosophical analysis, literature, aesthetics, art, and the study of religion.. After two years of theory based learning, students embark on a field project during the summer of their second academic year. The final year of the programme is spent at a degree-granting university in the UK, where students study for a Master’s degree in a discipline that is resonant with aims the of the graduate programme.
All admitted students are provided with a full scholarship that covers tuition and housing, as well as a stipend covering living expenses. The institute also provides doctoral scholarships to suitable candidates, and preference is given those who have completed GPISH.
, and is the product of a partnership between Institute of Ismaili Studies and the University of London's Institute of Education
.
Following the completion of the academic portion of the STEP program, students return to their home countries and participate in an in-service phase at their national Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board/Committee (ITREB/C). Students are provided with a full scholarship and stipend that covers the entire program (including the home-based practicum), and related travel expenses.
The programme is currently open to applicants from thirteen countries: Canada, France, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, UAE, Uganda, UK and the USA.
Research institute
A research institute is an establishment endowed for doing research. Research institutes may specialize in basic research or may be oriented to applied research...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It aims to promote the study of Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
cultures and societies, both historical and contemporary, in order to foster a greater understanding of their relationships with other societies and faiths. It also functions as a gathering point for the Ismaili community as it endeavors to understand its own history and thought, including the often neglected fields of esoteric Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
and Shi‘ism.
The Institute draws upon the worldwide knowledge and experience of various institutions and scholars to create awareness through initiatives, publications, and partnerships in the field of Islamic Studies
Islamic studies
In a Muslim context, Islamic studies can be an umbrella term for all virtually all of academia, both originally researched and as defined by the Islamization of knowledge...
. Its library, which houses the largest-known accessible collection of Ismaili codices
Codex
A codex is a book in the format used for modern books, with multiple quires or gatherings typically bound together and given a cover.Developed by the Romans from wooden writing tablets, its gradual replacement...
in the world, is a major resource in the field. In addition to its research, the IIS offers two graduate programmes: the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) and the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP).
Established in 1977 by the Aga Khan
Aga Khan IV
Prince Karim, Aga Khan IV, NPk, NI, KBE, CC, GCC, GCIH, GCM is the 49th and current Imam of the Shia Imami Nizari Ismaili Muslims. He has held this position under the title of Aga Khan since July 11, 1957, when, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan...
, it functions under his guidance and works closely with the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations at the Aga Khan University
Aga Khan University
The Aga Khan University is a coeducational research university spread over three continents. It was granted its charter in 1983 as Pakistan's first private, autonomous university. AKU was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, and is part of the Aga Khan Development Network...
.
Modern Ismaili Studies
Modern Ismaili studies first began in the 1930s in South AsiaSouth Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
, where collections of Ismaili manuscripts had been preserved within Ismaili communities and brought to the fore through the pioneering efforts of Wladimir Ivanow
Vladimir Alexeyevich Ivanov
Vladimir Alekseevich Ivanov was a Russian orientalist. He was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia and died in Tehran, Iran. His work on Ismailism has opened new doors for the modern researchers on Islam. He graduated in 1907 and joined the faculty of Oriental Languages of the University of St...
, Asaf Fyzee, Husayn al-Hamdani, and Zahid Ali. Much of this early work helped to dispel the writings of the nineteenth century orientalists, which were often defamatory albeit unintentionally, having drawn only on the sources of the Ismailis’ adversaries, while over-sensationalizing occidental accounts. Ivanow, in particular, played an important role in the creation of the Ismaili Society of Bombay, which was, in a sense, a precursor to the Institute.
The former Ismaili Society of Bombay was established under the patronage of Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III
Aga Khan III
Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah, Aga Khan III, GCSI, GCMG, GCIE, GCVO, PC was the 48th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He was one of the founders and the first president of the All-India Muslim League, and served as President of the League of Nations from 1937-38. He was nominated to represent India to...
in February 1946. The Ismaili Society stood for “the promotion of independent and critical study of all matters connected with Ismailism” and frequently published monographs, critical editions of original texts and collections of short papers. Like the Institute, the Society’s work was involved in studying the field of particular intellectual movements in Islam, with a specific interest in Shi‘ism and Sufism
Sufism
Sufism or ' is defined by its adherents as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. A practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a '...
. With these underlying premises, the Aga Khan chaired the Ismailia Association Conference in April 1975: a four-day meeting in Paris during which groundwork was laid for what was eventually to become the Institute of Ismaili Studies. In November 1977, the Aga Khan made a public announcement that formally proclaimed the inauguration of the Institute. In his remarks the Aga Khan expressed his wish that the Institute become a major institution for his community, while reflecting upon the Fatimid
Fatimid
The Fatimid Islamic Caliphate or al-Fāṭimiyyūn was a Berber Shia Muslim caliphate first centered in Tunisia and later in Egypt that ruled over varying areas of the Maghreb, Sudan, Sicily, the Levant, and Hijaz from 5 January 909 to 1171.The caliphate was ruled by the Fatimids, who established the...
centres of learning established by his ancestors a millennium before.
Tradition of learning
The late Aga Khan III was instrumental in the transformation of Aligarh University, for which he campaigned starting as early as 1896. He also articulated the Muslims’ need for a “Central University” – a place where religion and learning are never divorced and individuality is safeguarded from imitating other cultures – so that early in their lives, students would gain a sense “for truthfulness, and for independence of character”. In subsequent years, Aga Khan III founded many schools in East AfricaEast Africa
East Africa or Eastern Africa is the easterly region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. In the UN scheme of geographic regions, 19 territories constitute Eastern Africa:...
and South Asia
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
. Most of these schools continue to exist today. He and his forefathers trace their ancestry back to the Fatimid Caliph-Imams who were among the first Muslims to establish institutes of higher learning in the history of Islamic civilization. Therefore despite its recent foundation, the Institute draws upon a long historical tradition that is firmly rooted in education and learning and equally cognizant thereof.
Governance
The Institute operates under a Board of GovernorsBoard of governors
Board of governors is a term sometimes applied to the board of directors of a public entity or non-profit organization.Many public institutions, such as public universities, are government-owned corporations. The British Broadcasting Corporation was managed by a board of governors, though this role...
of which the Aga Khan is chairman. Afzal Ahmed, Dr. Aziz Esmail, Mohammed Keshavjee, Naguib Kheraj, Zauhar Meghji and Dr. Shafik Sachedina are also sitting members.
The current Co-Director (with Professor Karim H. Karim) and Head of the Department of Academic Research and Publications is Dr. Farhad Daftary
Farhad Daftary
Dr. Farhad Daftary is Co-Director and head of the Department of Academic Research and Publications at the Institute of Ismaili Studies.Daftary received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a consulting editor of the Encyclopaedia Iranica, co-editor Dr. Farhad Daftary is...
.
Library and Publications
The Institute of Ismaili Studies Library was established in 1979 and is a major resource at the Institute, which houses the largest-known accessible collection of Ismaili codicesCodex
A codex is a book in the format used for modern books, with multiple quires or gatherings typically bound together and given a cover.Developed by the Romans from wooden writing tablets, its gradual replacement...
in the world. Its role is to preserve, develop and make available a central archive of Ismaili manuscripts, printed texts and audiovisual materials, and to support the activities and programmes of the Institute by providing necessary resources. The Library’s collection comprises some thirty thousand items, including rare manuscripts in Arabic, Persian
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
and Gujarati
Gujarati language
Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language, and part of the greater Indo-European language family. It is derived from a language called Old Gujarati which is the ancestor language of the modern Gujarati and Rajasthani languages...
. Many of these manuscripts are described in published catalogues.
The Library also actively seeks to expand its holdings through new acquisitions, donations and by obtaining photocopies and microfilms of manuscripts that are held in various private and institutional collections. The Library’s collection has benefited from a number of private collections that have been donated such as the Dr. Zahid Ali collection of two hundred twenty rare manuscripts, and the Sherali Alidina collection. Much of the early collection, however, predates the foundation of the Institute and represents the holdings of the Ismaili Society of Mumbai.
Publications
The Institute’s publications are manifold and range from curriculum materials to translations and academic publications. They reflect its mandate of promoting modern scholarship in the area of Islamic studies. Most of the works are published through Islamic Publications Ltd. (IPL) in association with I.B. Tauris & Co. Ltd..The collection of curriculum materials produced by the Institute’s Department of Education for the religious and cultural education of the Ismaili community is known as the Ta‘lim Programme. This curriculum is currently available at primary levels for ages four to twelve in eight different languages. The curriculum is also expected to further expand for students at a secondary school level in the near future. Seven types of academic publications are produced by the Institute, as listed below:
- Occasional papers or essays addressing broad themes on the relationship between religion and society, with special reference to Islam;
- Monographs that explore specific aspects of the Islamic religions tradition;
- Significant editions or translations of primary or secondary texts pertinent to the understanding of Islam;
- Translations of poetic and literary texts, which illustrate the rich heritage of spiritual, devotional and symbolic expressions in Muslim history;
- Works pertaining to Ismailism;
- Proceedings of conferences and seminars sponsored by the Institute;
- Bibliographical works or catalogues.
Programmes
The Institute of Ismaili Studies offers a variety of different programmes from the graduate level to preparatory programmes for Ismaili students who have not previously studied English, such as the Khorog English Programme and the Syrian Preparatory Program.Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities
The Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) has a three-year duration. It aims to "engender a sympathetic yet critical examination of issues facing contemporary Muslims, from the debate amongst Muslim intellectuals regarding the re-examination of aspects of the Islamic heritage to the challenges posed by modernisation and development." The goal of the program is to prepare students for a research degree and a wide variety of career opportunities.It focuses on Islam in general, and in particular on Shi‘ism and the Ismaili community, its history, and its teachings as understood within the Islamic religious tradition. The programme integrates a variety of disciplines into the study of Muslim societies, including history, anthropology, political science, philosophical analysis, literature, aesthetics, art, and the study of religion.. After two years of theory based learning, students embark on a field project during the summer of their second academic year. The final year of the programme is spent at a degree-granting university in the UK, where students study for a Master’s degree in a discipline that is resonant with aims the of the graduate programme.
All admitted students are provided with a full scholarship that covers tuition and housing, as well as a stipend covering living expenses. The institute also provides doctoral scholarships to suitable candidates, and preference is given those who have completed GPISH.
Secondary Teacher Education Programme
Founded in 2002, The Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP) is a two-year post-graduate programme that seeks to train and sustain teachers who will be instrumental in teaching the Institute’s Secondary Curriculum to Ismaili students worldwide. It culminates in an MTeach and an MA in Education (Muslim Societies and Civilizations), both awarded by the University of LondonUniversity of London
-20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the...
, and is the product of a partnership between Institute of Ismaili Studies and the University of London's Institute of Education
Institute of Education
The Institute of Education is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom specialised in postgraduate study and research in the field of education and a constituent college of the federal University of London. It is the largest education research body in the United Kingdom, with...
.
Following the completion of the academic portion of the STEP program, students return to their home countries and participate in an in-service phase at their national Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board/Committee (ITREB/C). Students are provided with a full scholarship and stipend that covers the entire program (including the home-based practicum), and related travel expenses.
The programme is currently open to applicants from thirteen countries: Canada, France, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, UAE, Uganda, UK and the USA.