On Friday, 15 August 2025, Dr Haidar Hobballah participated in the 10th edition of the Annual Summer School organised by the Centre for Muslim–Christian Studies in Oxford. This summer school brings together Muslim and Christian students and researchers actively engaged in interfaith studies and religious activities in the West.
Dr Hobballah contributed by delivering a lecture to this year’s students, entitled: “Shi‘a–Christian Debates in the Early Centuries: The Debates of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha as a Case Study.” In his lecture, he analysed the historical context of these debates, which took place in the court of the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma’mun in the city of Marw (present-day Mary in Turkmenistan), as well as debates held in Kufa and Basra.
Dr Hoballah examined these interreligious debates by analysing their historical sources, comparing their content with the Christian theological tradition, and applying a critical theological analysis that allows for a deeper understanding of the debates. He also explored the historical reasons behind these debates and discussed the different perspectives on the motivations of the Abbasid authorities in organising such interfaith discussions at the time.
The lecture was followed by a series of questions, contributions, and interactive discussions with the participating students.
