“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'”
(Quran 20:114)
Our Centres
Specialised centres fostering independent scholarship on Sharīʿa, theology, and contemporary issues.
Explore Our Centres
Al-Mahdi Institute (AMI) hosts specialised centres that bring scholars together to deliberate on Sharia, theology, and contemporary issues, offering guidance to communities and training for scholars. While AMI supports these initiatives, their views are independent and do not necessarily reflect AMI’s non-doctrinal approach to Islamic research.
Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies (CIMS)
CIMS fosters mutual understanding and dialogue among Muslims, particularly between Sunni and Shiʿa scholars, addressing historical and theological differences through critical engagement and collegiality. Established in 2015, it hosts regular meetings to discuss contentious issues, producing resources for reconciliation and unity.
International Centre for Collective Ijtihad (ICCI)
ICCI derives Sharia regulations through collective ijtihad, involving mujtahids and experts to tackle modern challenges in fields like medicine and technology. It publishes guidance statements with detailed justifications, empowering informed decision-making in Muslim communities.
Centre for Islamic Decrees and Doctrines (CIDD)
CIDD provides unified Sharia-based answers to contemporary issues by collaborating with scholars from the five major Islamic schools (Shāfiʿī, Mālikī, Ḥanafī, Ḥanbalī, and Jaʿfarī). It issues collective decrees on topics like fasting, banking, and organ donation, promoting cross-sectarian harmony.
Latest Highlights
Explore that latest highlights from our Centres.
Gelatine is a colourless and flavourless protein which is derived primarily from collagen found in...
Nail polish is a chemical substance that is applied to the nails and, after drying, forms a solid...
A common perception exists among Muslims that the Quran cannot be recited without wudū’ (ritual...
Surrogacy is a process by which a woman carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual who...
On 29th November 2025, the Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies (CIMS) convened a roundtable dialogue...
The determination of prayer timings is one of the fundamental aspects of Islamic ritual practice...
Breast milk is universally recognised as the best source of nourishment for babies. It provides...
According to the popular understanding of Sharia, it is considered impermissible for a Muslim man to...
Some Muslim scholars have imposed restrictions on women reciting and touching the Qur’an during the...
Muslim jurists categorise the types of bleeding experienced by women into three main categories. The...
FAQ's
Al-Mahdi Institute hosts a network of specialised research centres that bring scholars together to explore Islamic law (Sharīʿa), theology, contemporary issues, and community guidance. These centres foster independent scholarship and dialogue across Islamic traditions.
The Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies (CIMS) promotes understanding and respectful dialogue among Muslims from different traditions, especially between Sunni and Shiʿa scholars. It addresses historical and theological differences and contemporary issues through critical engagement and collegial discussion.
The International Centre for Collective Ijtihad (ICCI) convenes mujtahids (independent scholars) and experts to derive and publish Sharia guidance on modern issues — such as medical ethics and technology — through collective reasoning (ijtihad).
The Centre for Islamic Decrees and Doctrines collaborates with scholars from all five major Sunni and Shiʿa legal schools to issue unified, cross-sectarian decrees on contemporary topics (e.g., fasting, financial ethics, organ donation), promoting harmony and practical Islamic guidance.
While AMI supports and hosts these research centres, their scholarly views and outputs are independent and do not necessarily reflect the institute’s official non-doctrinal research approach.
AMI’s research centres bridge scholarly research with real-world questions, offering practical Islamic guidance, training for scholars, and engagement with contemporary issues, ensuring that traditional Islamic thought remains relevant in modern life.
The Hawza Programme is self-paced and therefore students can enroll at any time. Once enrolled, students gain access to all recordings and learning materials for 365 days.
Impact and Collaboration
These centres play a crucial role in connecting AMI’s academic research with community needs, offering practical guidance on Sharia and theology while facilitating continual training for scholars. By convening experts from diverse traditions, they address shared challenges, promote unity, and ensure Islamic thought remains relevant to modern life. AMI serves as a neutral platform, supporting these initiatives to bridge scholarship and practical application.