“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'”
(Quran 20:114)
Explore our Research
Discover how we integrate Islamic scholarly traditions with contemporary research methodologies.
Welcome to our research hub, dedicated to advancing the rich and diverse field of Islamic Studies. Our research spans across six specialist areas, bridging classical traditions with contemporary inquiry to address both enduring questions and present-day challenges.
Research Areas
Islamic Legal Studies
This field of study critically examines contemporary jurisprudence and legal theory, tracing the historical development of Islamic legal frameworks and analysing their application within modern social and political contexts.
Islamic Philosophy & Theology
This area undertakes rigorous examinations of metaphysical and theological concepts, including the nature of divinity, divine governance, eschatology, prophecy, and revelation, by utilising analytical and historical methodologies.
Qur'anic Studies
Focused on the Qur'an as a multifaceted text, this area engages in comprehensive scholarly inquiry into its ethical, legal, theological, philosophical, spiritual, historical, and literary dimensions to enhance understanding of its interpretive traditions.
Hadith and History
This field of study investigates ḥadīth transmission, authentication, and contextualisation, examining how these traditions were formed and canonised while linking historical inquiry with contemporary scholarship.
Islamic Mysticism & Spirituality
This field of study explores Islamic mystical traditions and spiritual psychology, with particular attention to their Shīʿī heritage, and relevance to contemporary personal and social challenges.
Muslims, Societies, & Cultures
This field of study examines diverse religious traditions and societies, addressing shared questions in religion, ethics, and philosophy while considering their engagement with contemporary issues such as AI, biotechnology, and social change.
Latest Research Highlights
Stay current with our activities across all research areas, from conferences to publications!
On 15 July 2026, AMI welcomed Dr Syed Ali Hur Kamoonpuri to deliver a research seminar entitled...
On 9–10 July 2026, the Hadith and History research area at Al-Mahdi Institute held its Second Hadith...
On 3rd June 2026, AMI welcomed Dr Hashem Morvarid to deliver a research seminar addressing one of...
The research area of Islamic Mysticism and Spirituality at Al-Mahdi Institute convened an...
On 29th April 2026, AMI welcomed Professor William Gallois from the Institute of Arab and Islamic...
On 27–28th April 2026, Al-Mahdi Institute hosted the conference “Who Cares? Care and Support...
On 31st March 2026, AMI welcomed Professor Robert Wintemute to deliver a research seminar examining...
On 14th January 2026, AMI welcomed Dr Hassan Abbas to deliver a research seminar based on his...
On 26th November 2025, AMI welcomed Dr Zairu Nisha from the University of Delhi to explore a...
How do political stories shape our sense of justice, belonging, and authority? What role do...
Research Opportunities
Al-Mahdi Institute offers a range of research opportunities designed to support scholars at every stage of their academic journey. From affiliate positions to visiting fellowships and doctoral scholarships, AMI provides pathways to engage deeply with Islamic studies in a vibrant scholarly community.
Affiliate Programme
The Affiliate Programme welcomes scholars seeking to engage with AMI’s research community and resources. Affiliates gain recognition, access to the library and facilities, and the opportunity to collaborate within a supportive academic environment.
Visiting Fellowships
The AMI Visiting Fellowship enables scholars to conduct research, collaborate with faculty, and engage with a vibrant academic community, with access to AMI’s library, campus facilities, and a supportive environment for advancing Islamic studies.
PhD Doctoral Scholarship
The AMI Doctoral Scholarship offers up to £3,000 to support research on Imāmī (Twelver) Shīʿism. Open to doctoral students worldwide, the scholarship promotes original contributions to this vital yet underrepresented field in Islamic studies.
FAQ's
Al-Mahdi Institute advances research that bridges classical Islamic scholarly traditions with contemporary inquiry to address both enduring intellectual questions and present-day challenges. Its research spans across multiple specialist fields within Islamic studies.
AMI’s research covers six specialist areas:
Islamic Legal Studies – exploring the development and application of Sharīʿa and jurisprudence.
Islamic Philosophy & Theology – examining metaphysical and theological concepts.
Qur’anic Studies – engaging the Qur’an’s interpretive, literary, and ethical dimensions.
Hadith and History – investigating the transmission and historical context of ḥadīth.
Islamic Mysticism & Spirituality – exploring mystical traditions and spiritual psychology.
Muslims, Societies & Cultures – studying religious traditions, ethics, and contemporary social issues.
AMI disseminates research through seminars, workshops, international conferences, publications, podcasts, and public events, ensuring scholarly engagement and broader community impact.
Yes. AMI offers research opportunities for scholars at different stages of their academic careers, including affiliate programmes, visiting fellowships, and doctoral scholarships that support focused research in Islamic studies.
The Affiliate Programme welcomes scholars and researchers wishing to engage with AMI’s academic community, access library facilities, and collaborate on research projects within a supportive environment.
Visiting Fellowships allow established scholars to conduct research, collaborate with AMI faculty, and participate in academic life on campus while benefiting from access to resources and scholarly networks.
Yes — AMI’s PhD Doctoral Scholarship provides financial support (up to £3,000) for doctoral students worldwide working on topics related to Imāmī (Twelver) Shīʿism and aims to encourage original research in this underrepresented area of Islamic studies.
AMI fosters collaboration through research events, public seminars, and partnerships, integrating rigorous scholarship with discussions relevant to Muslim lived experiences and global intellectual debates.
Collaborate With Us
We welcome collaboration in advancing Islamic studies. Whether through submitting papers, participating in events, accessing our resources, or proposing joint projects, join us in fostering thoughtful scholarship.