Latest Projects
Stay up to date on our publications, events, and activities
Episode 30 – An Architecture of Co-Existence in Medieval Syria
An informative discussion with Dr. Stephennie Mulder on her book, ‘The Shrines of the ‘Alids in Medieval Syria – Sunnis, Shi’is and the Architecture of Coexistence’.
1000-Year Anniversary of the Najaf Hawza and the Contributions of al-Ṭūsī to Islamic Intellectual History
A landmark gathering of global academic and seminary researchers in Najaf, Iraq, which served as a bridge between traditional seminary learning and modern academic research.
SRI Presentation at the Al-Khoei Institute
SRI presented at the Al-Khoei Institute to participate in the Islamic–Christian Dialogue Forum in Najaf al-Ashraf
Ep. 29 | Gender and Succession: The Legacy of Fatima
An informative discussion with Dr. Alyssa Gabbay on her book, ‘Gender and Succession in Medieval and Early Modern Islam’ which examines episodes in pre-modern Islamic history in which individuals or societies recognized descent from both men and women, including Fatima.
Hospitality in the Qur’an and the Bible
Engage biblical and Qur’anic texts to reflect on what it means to live as guests in a world belonging to God – and to act in the spirit of Abrahamic hospitality.
Sainthood in Islam and Christianity
Explore Christian doctrines of sanctification and intercession alongside Islamic teachings on awliya’, piety, and divine proximity. Together, we will consider how both faiths articulate the relationship between God’s holiness and human examplars, and how these beliefs shape worship, ethics, and community life.
Ep. 28 | Contemporary Shi‘ism and Shaykh Ahmad al-Waeli
An informative discussion with Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani, on the life and times of the famous Iraqi scholar and lecturer, Dr. Shaykh Ahmad al-Waeli (d.2003).
Winter ’25 Newsletter
Catch up on our activities including 2 new courses, numerous conferences, podcasts, and more!
Understanding Fatimiyyah
Join us to remember the courage, purity, and sacrifice of Lady Fatima, with SRI Principal Syed Muhammad Rizvi
Ep. 27 | Dr. Robert Gleave’s Journey through Shi‘i Studies
An informative discussion with Dr. Robert Gleave (University of Exeter), on his career path, personal journey, and various impactful works.
Welcoming Dr. Tahera Qutbuddin to our Academic Advisory Board
SRI is pleased to have Dr. Tahera Qutbuddin joining our Academic Advisory board, contributing to the success and direction of SRI’s activities
Between Reason and Revelation: Morality in Islamic Thought
Dr. Nebil Husayn examines scholarly debates on morality and the tensions between rationalists and those who sought all of their answers from sacred texts.
Jinn in Islam
Join us for a captivating evening exploring the world of Jinn through a Qur’anic and Shi‘a Islamic perspective!
Theodicy and the Existence of Evil
Explore how the Qur’an and the Bible confront the question of evil and suffering in a world understood to be shaped by divine mercy and justice and yet shaken by calamities and privations.
Visiting Fellow 2025-2026 Academic Year
Professor Nebil Husayn has been selected for the Distinguished Scholar Fellowship at the Shi’a Research Institute for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Student Meet & Greet for the New Year
Starting the new academic year with a gathering for students the University of Toronto St. George Campus
Islamic Legal Theory: A Conversation with Robert Gleave
Explore shared methods, approaches and debates in Islamic legal theory with Robert Gleave, University of Exeter.
Open Letter Response
Response to an open letter taking issue with a recently held conference.
The Quran and Shi’i Islam: Texts, Studies, Legacies
Two Day International Conference co-hosted by the University of Toronto and the Shi’a Research Institute, on the Shi’a approach to the Quran.
Ep. 26 | Sufism and Philosophy in the Contemporary Shia Seminary
An informative discussion with Dr. Seyed Amir Hossein Asghari on his book ‘Sufism and Philosophy in the Contemporary Shia Seminary’
Ep. 25 | An Exploration of the Nahj al-Balagha
An informative discussion with Dr. Tahera Qutbuddin (Oxford University), on her career journey, and what led her to the work of Imam ‘Ali.
Devotional Prayer in the Islamic Tradition – at the University of Toronto
SMT3367H – Explores historical, doctrinal, philosophical and mystical aspects of Islamic liturgical texts. Begins September 2025 at the University of Toronto
Holiness and Sainthood in Islamic Thought – at the University of Toronto
SMT3378H – Intro to the origins of notions of holiness, spiritual charisma and sainthood in Islamic thought. Begins September 2025 at the University of Toronto
SRI Presentation at Oxford University
SRI participated in a 3-day conference at St. John’s College, Oxford University, titled “The Legacy of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib – Exploring his Teachings in the Foundational Texts of Arabic-Islamic Knowledge and Culture”
Ep. 24 | In the Presence of the King – Intercession in Islam
An informative discussion with Professor Luca Patrizi on his book “In the Presence of the King – Intermediation and Intercession in Islam”
SRI Presentation at the Institute of Ismaili Studies
SRI participated in a 3-day conference from May 20th – 22nd 2025 at the IIS, on “Devotion to the Prophet’s Family in Islamic Thought and Practice”
SRI Principal Addresses University of Toronto Convocation
Syed Muhammad Rizvi, the Principal Director of SRI, conducted closing prayers at the end of a Graduation Ceremony at the University of Toronto.
Ep. 23 | Shi’a Theology and the Life of al-Sharif al-Murtada
An informative discussion with Dr. Hussein Ali Abdulsater on his books “Shi’i Doctrine, Mu’tazili Theology” and “Al-Jahiz and Religious Knowledge”
Reflecting on Hope Through the Qurʾān and the Bible
Discover the theme of hope through meaningful dialogue and reflection on selected passages from the Qurʾān and the Bible. Let’s come together to share perspectives and foster deeper understanding.
A Night with the Nahj al-Balagha
Hear from the esteemed author, Dr. Tahera Qutbuddin (Oxford University), as she shares insights on her translation work, followed by Q&A.
Ep. 22 | Shi’i Identity and the Islamic Past
An informative discussion with Dr. Najam Haider on his books “The Origins of the Shi’a” and “The Rebel and the Imam in Early Islam”
SRI Presentation at Huron University’s Zakat International Conference
SRI Principal presented at the “Zakat International Conference: Implementation and Impact in the Contemporary World” held at Huron University College.
Author Night with Dr Tahera Qutbuddin
Join us for a brief address by the Shaykh Zayed Book Award Winner, Dr. Tahera Qutbuddin (Oxford), followed by an engaging discussion.
St Micheal’s College Iftar at the University of Toronto
UofT Students: Join us for a warm and welcoming Iftar dinner on Monday, March 24th at 7 PM
Meeting with Professor Jon McGinnis (UofT)
SRI had the pleasure hosting two erudite scholars of Arabic-Islamic philosophy, Jon McGinnis (UofT) and Nizamuddin Ahmad (FIU)
SRI Presentation at the Centre for Muslim-Christian Studies at Oxford University
SRI presented at the CMCS on “The Study of Shi’i-Islamic Prayer in Conversation with the Psalms”, at Oxford University
Shiʿi Studies International Conference 2025: New Directions and Perspectives
Two Day International Conference on Shiʿi Studies hosted by Leiden University Shiʿi Studies Initiative, in cooperation with various partner institutions
Mental Health and Spirituality
A dinner dialogue on the Islamic perspective towards Mental Health and Spirituality.
Ep. 21 | The Anthropology of Muslim Authority in Europe
An informative discussion with Dr. Thijl Sunier’s book “Making Islam Work – Islamic Authority among Muslims in Western Europe” published by Brill Press.
Reflecting on Love Through the Qurʾān and the Bible
Discover the theme of love through meaningful dialogue and reflection on selected passages from the Qurʾān and the Bible. Let’s come together to share perspectives and foster deeper understanding.
Angels, Demons, and Jinn in Comparative Perspective
Jointly hosted conference with Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto, to discuss the shared and distinct understandings of these spiritual beings.
Ep. 20 | Exploring Islamic Thought & Philosophy: A Chat with Dr Rustom
An informative discussion with Dr. Mohammed Rustom of Carleton University. Hosted by Dr. Cyrus Zargar, of the University of Central Florida.
Ep. 19 | Islam through an Evangelical Christian Lens
An informative discussion on Dr. Richard McCallum’s book “Evangelical Christian Responses to Islam” published by Bloomsbury Press.
Our New Office!
We are now located within the Toronto School of Theology, at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus
Fatima and Social Justice
A dinner dialogue and an inspiring discussion on the legacy of Fatima Al-Zahra (A) and her influence on social justice, ethics and community.
SRI Presentation at Butler University
SRI delivered a lecture at Butler University, Indiana, entitled “Shia Islam: Origins and Future Trajectories”
Ep. 18 | The Use of Reason in Islamic Theology: An Exploration of Nasir al-Din al-Tusi
Syed Muhammad Rizvi, Principal of SRI, interviews Dr. Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad, discussing his intellectual journey and his extensive work in translating Nasir al-Din al-Tusi’s Tajrīd al-Iʿtiqād
Fall ’24 Newsletter
Our New Office, Conferences, Publications, and more!
SRI Presentation at the AKU Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
SRI participated in Agha Khan University’s Conference on ‘Arabic Pasts: Histories & Historiography’
Ep. 17 | Religious and Political Authority in Medieval Islam
An informative discussion on Dr. Nebil Husayn’s book “Caliphate and Imamate: An Anthology of Medieval Muslim Texts on Political Theology”
Ep. 16 | Exploring the Ethics of Karbala and the Warrior Ethos
An informative discussion on Dr. Cyrus Zargar’s book “The Ethics of Karbala – Myths, Modernity, and Virtues of Nobility”
The Integrity of the Qur’an: Sunni and Shi‘i Historical Narratives
SRI is proud to have financially supported an Edinburgh University Press publication, by Dr. Seyfeddin Kara on the issue of tahrif (distortion) of the Qur’an.
Ep. 15 | Fatima: A Source of Feminist Theology and Social Activism
An informative discussion on Dr. Mahjabeen Dhala’s book “Feminist Theology and Social Justice in Islam – A Study on the Sermon of Fatima”
SRI Principal Addresses University of Toronto Convocation
Syed Muhammad Rizvi, the Principal Director of SRI, conducted closing prayers at the end of a Graduation Ceremony at the University of Toronto.
SRI Presentation at the Shi’i Studies Annual Conference
SRI participated in the 9th Annual Conference on Shi’i Studies held by The Islamic College.
Ep. 14 | An Exploration of the Self in Islamic Thought
An informative discussion on Dr. Muhammad U. Faruque’s book “Sculpting the Self – Islam, Selfhood, and Human Flourishing”
SRI Presentation at the American Oriental Society Conference
SRI participated in a weekend conference held by the American Oriental Society in Chicago.
Nahj al-Balāghah – A Parallel English-Arabic Text
Nahj al-Balagha translation by Dr. Tahera Qutbuddin is available for download at no cost via SRI’s Open Access Grant
Ibn ‘Arabi and the Shi’i Tradition: Texts, Ideas, and Receptions
Jointly hosted conference with the Department of Philosophy at the University of Toronto, to discuss the reception of Ibn ʿArabī in Shīʿī intellectual production across space and time.
Ep. 13 | Shi’ism, Sufism and Qur’an Commentary in the 19th Century
An informative discussion on Dr. Alessandro Cancian’s book “The Emergence of Shi’i Sufism – Sultan ‘Ali Shah Gunabadi and His Commentary on the Qur’an”
Ep. 12 | The Kharijites and a Narrative of Rebellion in Islamic History
An informative discussion on Dr Hannah-Lena Hagemannr’s book “The Khārijites in Early Islamic Historical Tradition”
Ep. 11 | Shia Hadith: A Study of Shaykh al Saduq and His Legacy
An informative discussion with Dr George Warner’s book, “The Words of the Imams”
Ep. 10 | Politics, Religious Authority, and Shi’ism in Contemporary Lebanon
An informative discussion with Dr. Farah Kawtharani on her book, Political Thought in Contemporary Shi’a Islam
Ep. 9 | Exploring Spiritual Psychology in Islamic Thought
An informative discussion with Dr. Mojdeh Shariatmadari, on the role of psychology and its study in Islam and Shi’ism.
Fall ’23 Newsletter
SRI’s Initial Year in Review – Conferences, Publications, and more
Muslims in Canada: A Census Snapshot – Seminar
Discussing the latest Statistics Canada data and its direct implications on the Muslim community.
Religion and Migration in Canada
Examining Muslim Identity, Growth, and Integration within the Canadian Landscape
Ghuluww In History and Islamic Thought: An Overview of the Case of Imami Shi’ism
SRI is pleased to announce Dr. Vinay Khetia’s recent published article in the al-Qalam Journal of Advanced Islamic Research.
SRI Keynote at Oxford University
SRI was the keynote presentation at the University of Oxford, on the subject of: The Concept and Practice of Ziyāra in Shia Islam.
SRI Presentation at the School of Oriental and African Studies
SRI attended a global conference on Arabic and Islamic historiography which was jointly organized by SOAS and Agha Khan University.
SRI Keynote at Exeter University
SRI was the keynote presentation at one session of the ‘Monday Majlis’ series, hosted by the Centre for the Study of Islam, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, at Exeter University.
Ep. 8 | The School of Hillah and Its Legacy in Twelver Shīʿism
An informative discussion with Dr. Aun Hasan Ali, on his latest book, “The School of Hillah and the Formation of Twelver Shi‘i Islamic Tradition”
SRI Keynote at Harvard Divinity School
SRI served as the keynote speaker at this symposium hosted by the Divinity School at Harvard University.
Intra-Faith Presentation – Islamic Seminary of America
SRI participated in an academic intra-faith engagement at the Islamic Seminary of America, hosted by Dr. Yasir al-Qadhi.
Ep. 7 | Storytelling and the Pursuit of Virtue in Islamic Tradition
An informative discussion with Dr. Cyrus Ali Zargar, on his latest book, “The Polished Mirror: Storytelling and the Pursuit of Virtue in Islamic Philosophy and Sufism”
Ep. 6 | The Caliph and the Imam: The Making of Sunnism and Shi’ism
An informative discussion with Dr. Toby Matthiesen, on his new book, and events that have shaped the Islamic world.
Imamate Conference – Shrine of al-‘Abbas, Karbala
SRI participated in a conference hosted by the Shrine of al-‘Abbas with scholars from both Western Universities and Islamic seminaries.
Ep. 5 | An Exploration of Mysticism and Theology Through Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and Ibn ʿArabi
An informative discussion with Dr. Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad, on the Exploration of Mysticism and Theology.
Ep. 4 | The Meeting of Shi’ism and Sufism
An informative discussion with Dr. Eliza Tasbihi, who discusses the Meeting of Shiʿism and Sufism through Haydar Amuli and Cosmographical Diagrams.
Shi’i Studies Symposium – University of Chicago
SRI participated in the Shi’i Studies Annual Symposium, conducted by the University of Chicago.
Our Inaugural Conference
SRI hosted its inaugural academic event, an Exploratory Workshop dealing with “The current state and future horizons in Shiʿi Studies”
Re-Evaluating Methodological Trajectories in the Academic Study of Islam
SRI’s participation in a conference held by the University of Toronto on new approaches to Islamic Studies
Ep. 3 | Women in Shi’ism: Ancient Stories, Modern Ideologies
An informative discussion with Dr. Amina Inloes, who discusses her book, Women in Shi‘ism: Ancient Stories, Modern Ideologies.
Ep. 2 | Opposition to the Imam: A discourse on the formation of Muslim viewpoints regarding ‘Ali b. Abi Talib
An informative discussion with Dr. Nebil Husayn, who discusses his book, Opposing the Imam: The Legacy of the Nawasib in Islamic Literature, published by Cambridge University Press.
Oxford Handbook on Shi’ism
SRI is proud to be contributing to the Forthcoming Publication: Oxford Handbook on Shiism, published by Oxford University Press.
Shi’i Islam: Mysticism, Law, Quran and Intrafaith Relations
SRI’s participation in a conference organized by the University of Toronto and Harvard University on Mysticism, Law, Quran and Intrafaith Relations
Ep. 1 | The Hadith of ʿĀʾisha’s Marital Age: A Study in the Evolution of Early Islamic Historical Memory
An informative discussion with Dr. Joshua Little, who discusses the unique topic of his PhD thesis: the study of hadith surrounding the age of ʿĀʾisha’s marriage to the Prophet Muhammad.
Muslim Philanthropy in a Canadian Context
Syed Muhammad Rizvi’s paper presentation in a pioneering symposium examining Muslim charitable giving in a Canadian context.
Imami Kalam: It’s Origin, Development and Leading Scholars
Syed Muhammad Rizvi is working on an updated English translation, accompanied by extensive annotations, to be available to the scholarly and academic world.
The Ten Aspects Pertaining to the Occultation
SRI is working on the translation and discussion of Shaykh al-Mufid’s invaluable work ‘al-Fusul al-Ashra fi al-Ghayba‘ – ‘The Ten Aspects Pertaining to the Occultation’.
Publication of Dr. Vinay Khetia’s Thesis
SRI is proud to announce the successful defence of Dr. Vinay Khetia’s PhD paper at McMaster University, under the Department of Religious Studies.