Institute of Ismaili Studies

Alwaez Dr. Karim Gulamali speaks on the Power of New Beginnings, explaining the Fresh Start Effect and, using stories and anecdotes from history, drawing lessons and directions for a happier and more fulfilling New Year.

Alwaez Dr. Karim Gulamali speaks on the Power of New Beginnings, explaining the Fresh Start Effect and, using stories and anecdotes from history, drawing lessons and directions for a happier and more fulfilling New Year.

Reflections on 2020 and a Look Ahead with Dr. Shiraz Kabani>

Reflections on 2020 and a Look Ahead with Dr. Shiraz Kabani>

This talk will revolve around a simple question: at the time of this global pandemic, where do we seek answers? Are they to be found in faith and religious practice? Or should people exclusively seek every answer under these circumstances from science? The question of the interaction between faith and intellect (or rather science) as two sources of knowledge has been at the heart of major theological and philosophical currents in the Muslim world. How do we resolve these tensions without obviating either faith or science? Dr. Daryoush Mohammad Poor explores this theme and refers to Ismaili tradition and primary sources to demonstrate that there is no conflict between faith and science and both serve a purpose, both have weight and significance as well as the ability to reinforce one another.

We live in a world where we are often around people who are different from us. Research shows that humans are born with a bias in favour of those who are similar to them and against those who are different. Thus, this talk argues that it is imperative for the survival of civilised society that the value of pluralism is encouraged and taught at all levels of society.

Ginans - Ismaili religious literature originating from the religion-cultural context of the Indian Subcontinent, has sometimes been viewed as “lacking Islamic personality”. This talk will challenge this view and introduce audiences to multiple examples of religious poetry used by various Muslim traditions from the region to highlight typical characteristics of the literature that are greatly influenced by South Asian cultural contexts. The talk will also introduce the audience to multiple IIS publications that one can turn to in order to learn more and gain further insights into this topic.

Ginans - Ismaili religious literature originating from the religion-cultural context of the Indian Subcontinent, has sometimes been viewed as “lacking Islamic personality”. This talk will challenge this view and introduce audiences to multiple examples of religious poetry used by various Muslim traditions from the region to highlight typical characteristics of the literature that are greatly influenced by South Asian cultural contexts. The talk will also introduce the audience to multiple IIS publications that one can turn to in order to learn more and gain further insights into this topic.

Exploring select examples from the Dawr al-Satr (765-909 CE) and the Fatimid period (909-1171 CE) of our history, Dr. Shainool Jiwa illustrates how the Imams and the leadership at the time dealt with challenging circumstances of their age, using them as a springboard for laying stronger foundations for the future of the Jamat across various regions of the world.

This session discusses the ethical framework that informs a cosmopolitan mindset. It explores the various dimensions of the ideas of cosmopolitanism and cosmopolitan ethics, including some critiques and constraints, to help Jamat develop a grounded appreciation of this concept.