"To disclose the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, thereby discovering the Universal Values that exist between all"

About Al-Mahdi Institute

The Al-Mahdi Institute was established in 1993. The purpose of establishing it was the perceived need for an educational institute in the United Kingdom and Europe which would provide students with a structured degree course in the field of Arabic and Islamic sciences within a multi-cultural and pluralist society. There continues to be a rapid transformation and re-interpretation of religious traditions in contemporary society as a result of pluralism, and modernity. This creates an intellectual and cultural dichotomy within society between traditionalism and modernity regarding the interpretation and application of religious and cultural values. Al-Mahdi Institute aims at establishing a modus vivendi et operandi between the two approaches.

The fact that the members of the Institute come from diverse intellectual and philosophical schools of thought is a reflection of the Institute’s philosophy and mission. The curriculum is a modified form of the curriculum taught in the traditional Islamic colleges. The major addition and difference between the Institute and the traditional colleges of Islamic studies is that there is great emphasis on the use of modern theories in the study of religion, theology, and language. The other noted addition and difference is the Institute’s use of English and Arabic as the main languages of instruction. The reason for introducing this modified system is to address the need to train and prepare students who upon graduation will be able to function within the Western academic tradition as participants (not spectators) in contemporary intellectual discourse.

The Institute comprises an academic body of proven ability and creative scholarship. Through their teaching, research, and publications, they are known for their commitment to the enrichment of contemporary Muslim society. The core faculty is augmented by visiting professors of international repute who offer courses and seminars in their areas of specialisation designed to reinforce student opportunities for learning.

The Institute is an independent establishment that operates through the support and encouragement of generous and good-hearted people. We extend our gratitude to them and commend them to Allah (swt), However, the Institute is a living and growing entity, and in order to maintain its vigour and growth the need for further contributions is still vital.

The vision of the Al-Mahdi Institute

In light of its origin and history, the vision of the Institute is to appreciate and promote Shia Islamic studies through a process of combining the eastern and western intellectual cultures and to serve the Muslim and the wider community through it.

The ethos of the Al-Mahdi Institute

The Institute respects people of all faiths, traditions and cultures and considers itself a part of the greater human community. It respects human learning per say and considers it the heritage of humanity at large. The Institute is committed to the teachings of the Prophet and his progeny believing that these teachings embrace human goodness and can provide much needed answers for the modern world. The Institute strives at understanding this noble heritage of the Prophet and his progeny and endeavours to share them with others from academic and non-academic platforms