“…The Institute of Ismaili Studies… offer Masters level teaching programmes, they engage in research and publication, and they also develop curriculum materials for children in primary and secondary schools. In all these efforts, they take a holistic, civilizational approach to Islamic studies, rather than emphasizing the more narrow domain of theological dialectic.
What some describe as a clash of civilizations in our modern world is, in my view, a clash of ignorances. This is why education about religious and cultural heritage is so critically important – and why we will continue to invest in these institutions. We deeply believe that scholarship, publication and instruction – of high quality and generous breadth – can provide important pathways toward a more pluralistic and peaceful world.”
Previously, we explored the nature of education in the Islamic tradition, as well as the human quest for meaning and the role of religion in that quest. This article will look at dini education, institutions and the lifework of Mawlana Hazar Imam in shaping the Jamat’s religious formation.
How have institutions played a role in our history?
The sayings, teachings and the lifework of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and the Imams were a driving force to encourage learning and acquisition of knowledge. This learning and knowledge helped individuals to better understand Allah’s creation, allowing them to use their knowledge to improve the quality of lives of those in need and with whom they lived.
The history of Islamic civilizations contributed to various subjects of study, including philosophy, theology, the sciences, medicine, mathematics, astronomy and architecture. Institutions of learning could be found in many cities in the Muslim world – in Medina and Baghdad, Bukhara and Samarkand, and Cairo and Cordoba. All these institutions had a common belief in the harmony between intellect and faith that is central in Islamic teachings.
Historically, how has dini knowledge been transmitted in the Ismaili tradition?
In the Ismaili tradition, knowledge (ilm) and wisdom (hikma) were considered gifts from Allah, taught to humanity by His Prophets and Imams. Knowledge was passed on from one generation to the other through transmission of such knowledge through dini education. Examples of dini educators from Ismaili history include Sayyidna Nasir Khusraw in Central Asia, the Da‘i al Mu’ayyad fi’l Din al-Shirazi in Fatimid Egypt, Hasan Sabbah in Persia, the Pirs of South Asia, such as Pir Shams and Pir Sadardin, and many others.
The role of human intellect (aql) in understanding Allah’s creation and the faith reigned supreme. Over many centuries, Ismailis composed devotional and religious literature in diverse languages that continue to inspire and educate the Jamat today.
How has this tradition of dini education continued in modern times?
Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah continued this tradition of dini education by establishing, first, the Recreation Club in 1919, which was later replaced by the Ismailia Association in the 1950s. Today, the Ismailia Association has evolved into the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Boards (ITREBs).
To promote research of Ismaili heritage, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah established the Islamic Research Association in Bombay in 1933 under the outstanding scholarship of Vladimir Ivanow. During the Diamond Jubilee of Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah in 1946, the Ismaili Society of Bombay was formed, with Ivanow as the editor of its series of publications.
Building on this pioneering work, Mawlana Hazar Imam established the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) in London in 1977. The IIS was established to promote research and education on the Ismaili and broader Shi‘a history and thought, within the larger context of Islam. For the first time in centuries, the community had a central institution to explore and preserve the Ismaili intellectual heritage. The IIS’ mandate includes developing academic, educational, and human resources for the Jamat to enhance their knowledge of the Ismaili Tariqah.
What role does the IIS play in dini education?
The IIS encourages a perspective on the study of Islam that is not confined to its theological heritage only, but it must explore the relationship of religious ideas to broader dimensions of society and culture, encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to Islamic history and thought.
The IIS promotes a culture of reading and scholarship in the Jamat through its publications and educational programs. These include subsidized publications through Jamatkhana literature counters, its website with many educational articles, the publication of the Primary Ta‘lim and Secondary Curriculum, and short courses, encouraging pursuit of lifelong learning. The IIS also trains professional religious education teachers and those interested in the academic study of Islam.
Learn more:
- Website: The Institute of Ismaili Studies
- Website: Foundations of Faith Online Study Resources (ITREB Canada)
- Article: IIS’ Philosophy
- Article: Intellect and Religion, East and West, Dr. Reza Shah-Kazemi
- Video: The Institute of Ismaili Studies celebrates 40 years
- Video: Special Collections at IIS
- Speech: Inauguration of the Aga Khan University, Pakistan, 1985
- Speech: 25th Anniversary Graduation Ceremony of the IIS, Mawlana Hazar Imam, 2003
- Speech: Commencement Address at the IIS Graduation Ceremony, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, 2007
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