“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'”
(Quran 20:114)
Our success at a glance.
At AMI, we strive to foster a learning environment that encourages curiosity and growth. Our commitment to Islamic studies is rooted in respect for diversity and aims to empower individuals through education. We believe in the transformative power of knowledge and its role in community development. By combining rigorous academic research with practical community engagement, we aim to bridge gaps and inspire meaningful dialogue. Join us on this journey to expand understanding and promote interfaith connections.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a leading centre for Islamic scholarship, promoting cross-cultural understanding and contributing to the academic and spiritual growth of individuals worldwide.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bridge the rich heritage of Islamic intellectual traditions with modern academic inquiry, creating an open platform for diverse perspectives. We aim to cultivate a global community of learners and researchers, emphasizing Shiʿi studies while welcoming all who seek knowledge.
Our Activities
Our activities encompass a wide range of scholarly and community-focused initiatives:
Study Programmes
Offering the Hawza Programme, PGDip in Islamic Studies, and Islam and Self-Development, blending seminary and academic approaches.
Read MoreResearch
Conducting cutting-edge studies in Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and Shiʿi traditions, with collaborative workshops and conferences.
Read MorePublications
Producing peer-reviewed monographs, edited volumes, and translations through AMI Publications, in partnership with De Gruyter Brill.
Read MoreLibrary
Housing over 20,000 titles in our AMI Library, supporting research with rare manuscripts and quiet study spaces.
Read MoreCentres
Hosting intra-faith platforms such as CIMS, ICCI, and DIA for dialogue and practical guidance on contemporary issues.
Read MorePodcasts & Media
Producing audio and video podcasts to make Islamic scholarship accessible to a wider audience.
Read MoreAL-MAHDI INSTITUTE
Celebrating 30+ years of Independent Scholarship
Discover the achievements that shape our community and growth.
1,000+
Students
have enrolled on various educational courses at AMI.
500+
Hours
of courses in Islamic studies available on-demand.
200+
Podcasts
exploring contemporary issues and the Muslim experience.
100+
Publications
including books, articles published by AMI and faculty.
Our History
Founded in 1993 by a group of visionary scholars, AMI began as a modest initiative to preserve and advance Shiʿi intellectual heritage. From our Birmingham base, we have grown into a respected institution, recognized for our pioneering educational programmes and extensive library, one of Europe’s largest seminary collections. Our historic partnership with the University of Birmingham, the first of its kind for a UK Islamic seminary, marks a milestone in integrating seminary depth with academic excellence. Over the decades, AMI has expanded its reach through publications, research, and community engagement, remaining true to its founding principles.
Our Partnerships
Through its collaborations with the University of Birmingham and Brill, AMI bridges seminary learning with academic excellence and extends its scholarship to a global audience, combining rigorous Islamic studies with internationally recognised research and publishing platforms.
AMI’s collaboration with the University of Birmingham, a Russell Group institution, represents a landmark partnership between seminary learning and academic excellence. This pathway enables Hawza students to pursue an MA in Islamic Studies, combining traditional Islamic sciences with contemporary research approaches.
AMI’s partnership with Brill, one of the world’s leading academic publishers, marks a significant step in advancing scholarship in Islamic Studies. This collaboration combines AMI’s specialist expertise with Brill’s global publishing platform, ensuring the highest standards of academic quality and reach.
Our Campus
Our campus in Birmingham offers a serene and inspiring environment for study and reflection. Featuring modern facilities, extensive library spaces, and beautiful gardens, our campus supports a vibrant scholarly community. For more details on our campus and spaces, visit AMI Spaces.
Meet Our Team
AMI is led by a dedicated team of scholars, administrators, and trustees who work collaboratively to uphold AMI’s vision and mission, serving our diverse community.
FAQ's
Al-Mahdi Institute (AMI) is an independent Islamic higher education and research institute based in Birmingham, UK, dedicated to advancing Islamic thought, scholarship, and community engagement since 1993.
AMI’s mission is to bridge rich Islamic intellectual traditions with modern academic inquiry, creating an open platform for diverse perspectives, and cultivating a global community of learners and scholars.
AMI’s vision is to be a leading centre for Islamic scholarship, promoting cross-cultural understanding and contributing to both academic and spiritual growth worldwide.
Al-Mahdi Institute was founded in 1993 by Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain with the aim of preserving and advancing Shiʿi intellectual heritage within a broader educational context.
AMI’s activities include: Islamic Study Programmes (Hawza Programme, Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies and the Islam and Self-development Programme)
Research areas include: Islamic Legal Studies, Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Quranic Studies, Hadith & History, Islamic Mysticism and Spirituality, and Muslims, Societies, & Cultures.
Academic Publications through AMI Press in partnership with Brill and Community-focused works through Sajjadiyya Press.
AMI Library with over 20,000 publications in English, Arabic, Urdu, and Persian.
Research Centres for dialogue and scholarly collaboration including: The International Centre for Collective Ijtihad (ICCI), The Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies (CIMS), and The Centre for Islamic Decrees & Doctrines (CIDD).
Thinking Islam Podcasts & Media to expand public engagement with Islamic thought
AMI conducts cutting-edge research in areas such as Islamic Legal Studies, Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Quranic Studies, Hadith & History, Islamic Mysticism and Spirituality, and Muslims, Societies, & Cultures often hosting workshops and collaborative events.
Yes. AMI collaborates with institutions such as the University of Birmingham to integrate seminary learning with academic excellence, and with Brill to advance global publishing in Islamic studies.
Yes — AMI’s Birmingham campus offers a serene environment for study and reflection, with extensive library spaces and facilities that support a vibrant academic community.
AMI is a registered UK charity (Charity Reg No: 1191746) and holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), supporting its work in global scholarship and community engagement.
AMI is led by a committed team of scholars, administrators, trustees, and visiting fellows who uphold its mission and support academic and community initiatives. Visit Our Team page to explore more about our team.
For enquiries about programmes, research, partnerships, or events, you can contact AMI by email at [email protected] or call +44 121 446 5047
Our Commitment
As a registered charity in the UK with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), AMI is committed to serving the community through education, research, and outreach. This global recognition empowers our efforts to translate scholarly insights into impactful solutions for sustainable development, human rights, and interfaith dialogue. We strive to make a meaningful difference with our research while maintaining an open platform for discerning Muslim scholarship.