Shiʿi Studies in Focus is a collaboration between the Project on Shiʿism and Global Affairs of Harvard Divinity School and the Shiʿi Studies Unit of The Institute of Ismaili Studies. It is aimed at taking stock of developments in the field of Shiʿi studies internationally. By bringing together trailblazers in the field who played key role in turning Shiʿi Studies into an important field within the wider Islamic and religious studies, this programme endeavours to share their experience with students, scholars, academic institutions, and organisations who want to be important players in its development in the future.

• Dr Gurdofarid Miskinzoda (IIS)
• Professor Andrew Newman (University of Edinburgh)

In this episode of Voices of IIS, Dr Najam Abbas reflects on his two-decade journey at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Born in New Delhi, he pursued his studies across Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, along a multilingual and transregional academic path. He discusses his pivotal work on The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, which seeks to enhance access to knowledge of Persian and Central Asian Islamic traditions for English-language audiences."

00:00 Introduction to Najam Abbas
02:15 Early life in Delhi and family background
05:40 Academic journey and studying economics
09:10 Moving to Pakistan and further studies
13:30 Joining the Institute of Ismaili Studies
17:05 Research interests and key projects
21:20 Reflections on teaching and mentorship
25:45 The role of family and community
29:10 Challenges and lessons learned
33:00 Vision for the future of IIS
36:20 Advice for young scholars
39:00 Closing thoughts and gratitude

Russell Harris is celebrating twelve years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Kassam-Ramji as they discuss how music shaped his outlook on life and languages, as well as how he curates his work in and beyond the Institute.

00:00 Meet Russell Harris

03:05 Discovering ‘world’ music

04:56 Opera in New York

08:26 Returning to London

11:54 The Aga Khan Centre

13:55 Visiting ‘Fatimid’ Cairo

16:00 Speaking and singing Arabic

19:09 Curious curating

23:06 Highlights at IIS

25:05 Upcoming projects

Dr Fayaz Alibhai is celebrating 21 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss the importance of continued heritage and exploration through the Ismaili Heritage Project. 

00:00 Meet Dr Fayaz Alibhai 
00:50 Studying at the IIS 
03:17 The Ismaili Heritage Project 
10:48 Visiting sites 
12:52 Alamut 
14:39 The Bibi Fatima hot spring 
17:14 The Palace of Nations 
18:39 Sites and Stories (and Studies)

Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi is celebrating 25 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss Dr Shah-Kazemi's understanding of Divine Unity and how he applies that to his work as an editor and researcher, his work on The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, and his connection to nature.

00:00 Meet Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi

00:46 Joining the IIS

08:17 Speaking multiple languages

09:29 The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia

15:57 Spiritual life

Joy Johnson is celebrating 34 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss Joy’s passion for people, travel, and storytelling.

00:00 Meet Joy Johnson

01:24 Joining the IIS

03:45 Choose how you live

05:04 Highlights at the IIS

06:47 Aga Khan Centre tours

08:34 The joy of reading

09:54 Lessons in travel

Alnoor Nathani is celebrating 30 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss Alnoor’s passion for art and design and how he brings that to the IIS’ ta’lim (curriculum).

00:00 Meet Alnoor Nathani

00:50 Joining the IIS

05:47 The IIS Digital Curriculum

08:25 Career highlights

11:29 Raising the bar (and keeping it there)

12:59 IIS’s 40th Anniversary

14:20 Islamic Art

Dr Shainool Jiwa is celebrating 25 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they remember how Dr Jiwa got started in the Institute, what inspired her to study the Fatimid Empire (909-1171 CE) and how she brings Islamic studies to a wider audience today.

Shah Hussain, currently a librarian with the Aga Khan Library, has been with The Institute of Ismaili Studies for 20 years. Join host Selina Ramji as they recount his life in Chitral, Pakistan, joining IIS as a graduate student, and the importance of libraries, today.

Dr Shiraz Kabani is celebrating 25 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they share how Dr Kabani got started with institutional work and what inspires him to continue reaching the Ismaili community.