Talk:The Institute of Ismaili Studies

The Institute of Ismaili Studies

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is a leading international academic institution dedicated to the study of Islam, with a particular focus on its Ismaili and other Shiʿi traditions. Established in 1977 in London, it operates as an independent entity, promoting scholarship and learning about Muslim cultures and societies, both historical and contemporary. The IIS is best known for its rigorous academic research, its publication of critical editions and translations of key Islamic texts, and its unique graduate studies programs which prepare students for diverse roles within the global Ismaili community and beyond (Daftary, 2021). Its work bridges the gap between the devotional and the academic, aiming to foster a deeper, evidence-based understanding of Islamic heritage within a modern context.

Establishment and Founders

The Institute of Ismaili Studies was established in 1977 by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

The founding of the IIS was a direct outcome of the Aga Khan’s vision to create an institution that could address the challenges faced by the Ismaili community in the modern era, particularly concerning religious education and a nuanced understanding of their heritage. He perceived a need for a scholarly institution that could research, preserve, and elucidate the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Ismaili Muslims within the broader context of Islamic civilization (Aga Khan IV, 1985).

While the Aga Khan is the sole founder, the Institute's development was guided by a committee of scholars and community leaders. The vision was to create a centre of excellence that would not only serve the Ismaili community but also contribute significantly to the wider field of Islamic Studies. The IIS was thus conceived as a non-denominational institution in its academic approach, welcoming scholars and students of all backgrounds to engage in the serious study of Islam (Nanji, 2008).

Mission and Vision

While the IIS does not publish a single, succinct "mission and vision" statement in the corporate style, its core purpose and aspirations are clearly articulated in its official publications and the speeches of its founder.

Mission:

The primary mission of The Institute of Ismaili Studies is "to promote scholarship and learning of Muslim cultures and societies, historical and contemporary, and a better understanding of their relationship with other societies and faiths" (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, n.d.-a). This is achieved through research, publication, and educational programs that approach the study of Islam from a perspective of intellectual openness and academic rigor.

Vision:

The overarching vision, as set forth by its founder, is to strengthen the intellectual foundations of the Ismaili community and the wider Muslim ummah. The Aga Khan has often emphasized the importance of intellect in Islam and the need to bridge the gap between the secular and the religious. The IIS embodies this vision by seeking to "illustrate the compatibility between the Islamic faith and the modern world" and to contribute to the "formation of a forward-looking, intellectual leadership" capable of navigating the complexities of contemporary society (Aga Khan IV, 2003). It envisions a world where a profound and scholarly understanding of Islamic traditions informs a progressive, cosmopolitan Muslim identity.

Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of the IIS are operationalized through its various departments and programs. They can be summarized as follows:

1. Academic Research and Publication:

• Goal: To advance knowledge in the field of Islamic studies, particularly in areas related to Qur'anic studies, Shiʿi and Ismaili studies, and the intellectual heritage of the Muslim world.
• Objectives: To produce critical editions and translations of classical Arabic, Persian, and other Muslim texts through its flagship "Ismaili Texts and Translations Series"; to support individual and collaborative research projects; and to disseminate findings through its peer-reviewed publications, such as the Oxford University Press book series and the journal Religions (Daftary, 2021).

2. Graduate Education:

• Goal: To educate a new generation of scholars and professionals equipped with deep religious and secular knowledge.
• Objectives: To run the "Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities" (GPISH) and the "Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP)", both of which are dual-degree programs in partnership with leading UK universities. These programs aim to develop well-rounded graduates who can contribute to academic, educational, and civil society institutions (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, n.d.-b).

3. Curriculum Development for the Ismaili Community:

• Goal: To develop a coherent and intellectually stimulating religious education curriculum for the global Ismaili community.
• Objectives: To research, design, and publish the "Institute of Ismaili Studies Curriculum" (often referred to as the "Ta‘lim Curriculum") for various age groups, from early childhood to adulthood. This curriculum aims to provide a historically contextualized and intellectually engaging understanding of the Muslim and Ismaili heritage (Kassam, 2011).

4. Knowledge Dissemination and Public Engagement:

• Goal: To share the fruits of its research with both academic and public audiences.
• Objectives: To organize international conferences, public lectures, and seminars; to maintain a specialist library and archive of manuscripts and materials; and to develop digital resources to make its scholarship accessible worldwide.

History

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) was founded in 1977 by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. Its establishment was not an isolated event but part of a broader vision to address the intellectual and educational needs of the Ismaili community in the modern world.

The initial impetus came from the Aga Khan's observation that the community lacked a deep, well-researched understanding of its own heritage within the broader context of Islamic civilization. He envisioned an institution that could provide a "sound and enlightened intellectual grounding" for the community's religious and cultural leadership (Aga Khan IV, 1985). The early years of the IIS were focused on building its core asset: a world-class library and archival collection of manuscripts, particularly those pertaining to Ismaili history and thought. Under the guidance of its first Director, Dr. Mohammed Arkoun, the Institute began its work in critical scholarship and text publication (Daftary, 2021).

A significant milestone was the launch of the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) in 1994, which marked the formalization of its educational mandate to develop future leaders and scholars. This was followed by the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP) in 2007, established in collaboration with the Institute of Education (now part of University College London), to specifically train educators for the Ismaili community's religious education systems (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, n.d.-a). Throughout its history, the IIS has evolved from a primarily research-oriented centre to a multifaceted institution integrating advanced research, graduate education, and global curriculum development.

Location

The Institute of Ismaili Studies is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

Its main building is located at: 210 Euston Road

London, NW1 2DA

United Kingdom

This central London location places it in close proximity to other major academic and cultural institutions, such as the British Library and University College London, facilitating academic collaboration and research. The building itself was acquired and refurbished specifically to house the Institute's growing library, academic departments, and student facilities (Daftary, 2021).

Financial Sponsors

As an institution established by the Aga Khan, the primary financial sponsor of The Institute of Ismaili Studies is the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and its related agencies. The most significant of these is the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which provides core funding and oversight for the Institute's operations and endowments (Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2021).

The IIS also secures funding through specific grants and donations from the global Ismaili community, often channeled through the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB) in various countries. Furthermore, the Institute engages in project-specific fundraising and receives grants from external bodies, such as research councils and philanthropic foundations, for particular academic projects, conferences, or publications (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, 2022). It is important to note that while the IIS receives its core funding from the Aga Khan's institutions, it maintains academic independence in its research and publications.

Website and Contact Information

The primary source for up-to-date information on the Institute's activities, programs, and publications is its official website.

Website: https://www.iis.ac.uk/

The website hosts a comprehensive repository of information, including details on its academic programs, research projects, publications, library resources, and faculty profiles.

For specific inquiries, the Institute can be contacted through the following methods, as listed on their official website (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, n.d.-b):

General Inquiries Email: iis.info@iis.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7756 2700

Fax: +44 (0)20 7756 2740

Key Fields of Concentration (Research)

The research agenda of The Institute of Ismaili Studies is interdisciplinary, focusing on areas that have been historically underrepresented in Western academia, while also addressing contemporary issues. The core concentrations are:

1. Qur'anic Studies: This department moves beyond traditional exegesis to investigate the Qur'an's historical context, its reception history, and its philosophical and spiritual dimensions across different Muslim communities. A key focus is the study of Qur'anic manuscripts, including their textual history, calligraphy, and illumination (Lawson, 2012).

2. Ismaili Studies: As a central pillar, the IIS is the world's leading centre for the study of Ismaili Islam. Research encompasses Ismaili history, thought, and literature from the medieval to modern periods, utilizing primary sources in Arabic, Persian, and other languages of the Muslim world (Daftary, 2007).

3. Shi'i Studies: The scope extends beyond Ismailism to include the broader intellectual and historical traditions of Shiʿi Islam, particularly the Twelver (Ithna'ashari) and other Shiʿi communities, exploring their theological, philosophical, and legal developments (Daftary, 2021). 4. Central Asian Studies: This concentration focuses on the history, languages, cultures, and religious traditions of Muslim societies in Central Asia, with a particular emphasis on the Persianate world and the heritage of the Ismaili communities in the Badakhshan region (Hunzai, 2017).

5. Contemporary Muslim Societies: Research in this area examines the interaction of Muslim communities with modern challenges, including questions of ethics, governance, civil society, and the place of religion in the public sphere, often linking to the broader interests of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Activities and Contributions

The Institute's research is operationalized through a range of activities that contribute significantly to the academic and public understanding of Islam.

1. Academic Programs: The IIS runs two unique dual-degree graduate programs. The Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) is a three-year program that includes two years of interdisciplinary study at the IIS followed by a master's degree at a partner UK university. The Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP) similarly prepares educators for the Ismaili community's religious education systems (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, n.d.-a).

2. Curriculum Development: A major practical contribution is the research, design, and publication of a comprehensive religious education curriculum for the global Ismaili community. This "Ta‘lim Curriculum" provides a structured and intellectually rigorous educational framework for all age groups, from early childhood to adulthood (Kassam, 2011).

3. Library and Collections: The IIS maintains a specialist library housing one of the world's most significant collections of manuscripts, printed books, and archival materials related to Ismaili studies and other Shi'i traditions. This resource is vital for both in-house and visiting scholars (Daftary, 2021).

4. Conferences and Lectures: The Institute regularly hosts international academic conferences, seminars, and public lectures (such as the "IIS Annual Lecture"), fostering scholarly exchange and disseminating new research to a wider audience.

Publishing and Significant Reports

The dissemination of research findings is a cornerstone of the IIS's mission, primarily achieved through its renowned publication arm.

1. Ismaili Texts and Translations Series: This is the flagship publication series. It comprises critical editions and annotated English translations of key Arabic and Persian texts from the Ismaili tradition, many of which were previously inaccessible. These volumes are foundational for any serious scholarship in the field (Daftary, 2007). Notable examples include editions of works by al-Sijistānī, al-Kirmānī, and Nāṣir Khusraw.

2. Peer-Reviewed Monographs and Series: The IIS publishes scholarly books through partnerships with leading academic presses like I.B. Tauris and Oxford University Press. These include the "Shi'i Heritage Series" and "The Institute of Ismaili Studies Qur'anic Studies Series," which feature works by both IIS and external scholars (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, n.d.-b).

3. Annotated English Translations of the Qur'an: The "Anthology of Qur'anic Commentaries" project, led by senior IIS researchers, is a landmark publication that provides a comparative study of exegesis across different Sunni and Shi'i traditions, highlighting the pluralism within Qur'anic interpretation (Rippin & Knappert, 2022).

4. Occasional Papers and Reports: The Institute publishes reports on its major conferences and occasional papers that provide insights into specific research projects or historical topics.

Impacts

The work of the IIS has had a multi-faceted impact:

1. Academic Impact: The IIS has fundamentally transformed the field of Ismaili Studies, moving it from a discipline reliant on the polemics of its opponents to one grounded in primary sources and critical scholarship. Its publications are standard references in universities worldwide (Daftary, 2007).

2. Community Impact: Through its GPISH and STEP graduates and its Ta‘lim curriculum, the IIS has directly contributed to the formation of a modern, intellectually grounded religious leadership and an informed laity within the global Ismaili community (Kassam, 2011).

3. Broader Societal Impact: By promoting a scholarly, historically contextualized understanding of Islam, particularly its Shi'i and Ismaili dimensions, the IIS contributes to interfaith and intra-faith dialogue and challenges monolithic and extremist narratives about the Muslim world. Its work supports a vision of Islam that is compatible with intellectual inquiry and pluralism (Aga Khan IV, 2003).

Prominent Research Figures

The Institute of Ismaili Studies has been shaped and guided by leading scholars in their respective fields. Their work has been instrumental in defining the Institute's academic reputation.

1. Dr. Farhad Daftary: As the longest-serving Co-Director and currently Director Emeritus and Head of the Department of Academic Research and Publications, Daftary is the world's foremost authority on Ismaili history. His decades of research have fundamentally revised the understanding of Ismaili history, moving it from a field based on hostile, external sources to one grounded in primary Ismaili texts. His seminal work, The Ismāʿīlīs: Their History and Doctrines, is the standard reference on the subject (Hunsberger, 2013). He also directs the Ismaili Heritage Series and the Ismaili Texts and Translations Series.

2. Professor Azim Nanji: The Institute's first Director of Graduate Studies and later a senior advisor, Nanji played a pivotal role in shaping its academic programs. A renowned scholar of Islamic studies, his work focused on ethics, civil society, and the relationship between Islam and the humanities. His book The Nizari Ismaili Tradition (with L. N. Rangoonwala) was an early and influential overview (Nanji, 1978). He helped establish the Institute's interdisciplinary approach.

3. Professor Hermann Landolt (1936-2023): A distinguished scholar of Islamic philosophy and Sufism, Landolt served as a Senior Research Fellow. His work, particularly on early Ismaili philosophy and the thought of Shihāb al-Dīn al-Suhrawardī, provided critical insights into the intellectual intersections between Shiʿi thought and mysticism, enriching the Institute's research scope (Lawson, 2008).

4. Dr. Omar Ali-de-Unzaga: As the Head of the Department of Qur'anic Studies, he is a central figure in the Institute's Qur'anic research. He oversees major projects like the "Anthology of Qur'anic Commentaries" (Tafsīr), which compares Sunni and Shiʿi exegesis, highlighting the pluralistic interpretative traditions within Islam (Rippin & Knappert, 2022).

5. Professor Karim H. Karim: As the current Director of the IIS, Karim brings a focus on the study of Islam and Muslims in the contemporary world. A scholar of communication and global affairs, his work on diasporas, civility, and the geography of communication informs the Institute's engagement with modern Muslim societies (Karim, 2023).

Relations to the Islamic World

The IIS maintains a distinct and nuanced relationship with the broader Islamic world, characterized by its academic mission and its specific denominational context.

1. Promoting Intra-Muslim Understanding: A core objective of the IIS is to illuminate the diversity of Islamic thought, particularly Shiʿi and Ismaili traditions, which have often been marginalized. By publishing critical editions of primary sources and scholarly works, the Institute provides resources for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of Islamic civilization that includes its diverse intellectual strands (Daftary, 2007). This work fosters greater intellectual respect and dialogue between different Muslim communities.

2. Engagement with the Ummah: The Institute's work, while focused on Ismaili studies, is conducted within the framework of the wider ummah. Its Qur'anic Studies department, for example, addresses issues of central importance to all Muslims. Furthermore, by training scholars and teachers who go on to work in diverse Muslim contexts, the IIS contributes to the intellectual capital of the broader Muslim community (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, n.d.-a).

3. Navigating Sectarian Landscapes: The IIS maintains a strictly academic and non-polemical stance. Its relations across the Islamic world are built on scholarly credibility rather than theological debate.

This allows it to engage with academic institutions in various countries, including those with majority Sunni populations, on the basis of shared academic interest in Islamic history and culture.

Partnerships

The Institute's collaborative networks are essential to its mission, spanning prestigious universities, cultural institutions, and development agencies.

1. Academic Partnerships (University Collaborations): The IIS has established formal partnerships with leading global universities to deliver its graduate programs and joint research projects. Key partners include:

• University of London: Through various colleges like SOAS and University College London (UCL), the IIS collaborates on the GPISH and STEP dual-degree programs, where students complete their final Master's degree at the partner institution (The Institute of Ismaili Studies, n.d.-b).
• McGill University (Canada): A long-standing partner in areas of Islamic studies and graduate education.
• University of Cambridge (UK): Collaboration on research and academic initiatives.
• These partnerships validate the academic rigor of the IIS's programs and provide students with access to world-class resources.

2. Partnerships within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN): The IIS is an integral part of the AKDN. It works closely with:

• Aga Khan University (AKU): Particularly in the development of educational frameworks and humanities curricula.
• Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC): Collaborating on projects related to the preservation and study of Islamic art, architecture, and material culture.
• Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB): This is the primary channel through which the IIS's research is translated into the Ta‘lim curriculum for the global Ismaili community (Kassam, 2011).
• International Cultural and Research Partnerships: The Institute collaborates with entities like the British Library and other national libraries for manuscript studies and conservation. It also partners with international research institutes and universities in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe on specific archaeological, historical, and philological projects.

Critique of The Institute of Ismaili Studies from Iran's Perspective

It is crucial to note that a direct, official critique of the IIS from the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not commonly published in international academic channels. The analysis below is therefore synthesized from the ideological and political positions of the Iranian state, which views religious and historical authority through a specific Twelver Shi'a lens, and from scholarly works that analyze these ideological stances.

1. Theological and Doctrinal Challenges

The most significant source of critique stems from fundamental theological differences. The Iranian state, founded on the principle of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), represents the Twelver (Ithna'ashari) Shi'a tradition. This tradition holds that the line of Imams ended with the 12th Imam, who is in occultation.

• Legitimacy of the Ismaili Imamate: The very existence of the IIS, an institution established by and for the continuing Imamate of the Aga Khan, presents a direct challenge to the Twelver doctrine. From Tehran's perspective, the Institute's work to academically substantiate the history and intellectual heritage of the Ismaili Imamate can be seen as an attempt to legitimize a line of leadership that Twelver theology considers to have ceased centuries ago (Daftary, 2007). The IIS's scholarly output, therefore, is not viewed as neutral history but as a form of religious propaganda that undermines Twelver claims.
• Revisionist History: Iranian state-aligned scholars may view the IIS's historical research, particularly that of Farhad Daftary, as "revisionist." By recovering the intellectual history of the Fatimids and the Nizari Ismailis from medieval Sunni and Twelver polemics, the IIS challenges the historical narrative that has traditionally marginalized or vilified Ismailism. From a hardline Iranian perspective, this can be interpreted as distorting "authentic" Islamic history to serve the interests of a rival religious community (Hunsberger, 2013).

2. Political and Geopolitical Suspicions The Iranian government often interprets international institutions through a lens of geopolitical strategy and "soft war" (jang-e narm).

• Perception as a Western Proxy: The IIS's location in London and its engagement with Western universities can feed into narratives of it being a tool of Western, and specifically British, foreign policy. This perception is rooted in a historical grievance known as the "British connection," referring to the complex relationship between the British Empire in India and the Aga Khans in the 19th and 20th centuries (Steinberg, 2011). Critics in Iran might frame the IIS not as an independent academic body, but as an entity that repackages Ismaili identity in a modern, Western-compatible format, thereby weakening the unified front of the Muslim world against Western influence.
• Undermining Revolutionary Ideology: The Aga Khan's philosophy, as reflected in the work of the IIS and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), emphasizes pluralism, cosmopolitanism, and the reconciliation of faith with modern life. This stands in stark contrast to the Iranian revolutionary ideology, which is based on resistance to the West and the establishment of a clerical state. The IIS's model of a progressive, intellectually engaged Islam can be perceived by Iranian hardliners as a threat to their own model, offering an alternative path for Muslims that does not involve anti-Western revolutionary struggle (Jahanbakhsh, 2013).

3. "Hidden Objectives" and Soft Power From the perspective of Tehran, the IIS's activities are likely seen as a form of soft power projection.

• Influence in Central Asia and Afghanistan: Both Iran and the IIS (through the AKDN) are active in Central Asia and Afghanistan, regions with historical Ismaili populations. Iran may view the IIS's academic and cultural work, including its Persian-language publications and support for the Pamiri languages, as a strategic effort to increase the Aga Khan's influence in what Iran considers its traditional sphere of cultural and political influence (Fountain & van der Berg, 2021). The "hidden objective" could be interpreted as cultivating loyalty to the Ismaili Imamate over other regional powers, including Iran.
• Shaping the Narrative of Islam: The Iranian state invests heavily in promoting its specific interpretation of Shi'ism as the authentic voice of the oppressed (mustaz'afin). The IIS, by presenting an alternative, scholarly, and non-revolutionary Shi'a identity, challenges Iran's monopoly on representing Shi'a Islam globally. The "hidden objective," from this viewpoint, is to fracture Shi'a solidarity and present an apolitical, "moderate" Islam that is palatable to Western governments and serves to isolate Iran (Adib-Moghaddam, 2011).

In summary, while direct official statements are rare, the critique from the Islamic Republic of Iran's perspective is multifaceted, viewing the IIS's work as theologically invalid, politically subversive, and a strategic tool in a soft-power competition for the soul of Shi'ism and influence in the Muslim world.