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ICAIR International Conference 2025

June 9, 2025

The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR), in collaboration with the Shia Research Institute and NASIMCO, is delighted to announce that registration is now open for the ICAIR International Conference 2025: Faith and the Future – Challenges and Opportunities. This international gathering will address the key challenges and opportunities facing our communities in a rapidly changing world. Over three days, join scholars, professionals, and community leaders for a dynamic programme of presentations, workshops, and in-depth discussions on some of the most pressing issues confronting those striving to live faithfully in today’s complex global context. 📚 Conference Themes: • Education • Artificial Intelligence • Biomedical Ethics • Ecology and Sustainability • Islamic Studies 📍 Location: ISIJ of Toronto, 9000 Bathurst Street, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada 🗓 Dates: 20–22 June 2025
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ICAIR Concludes Landmark Islamic Futures Symposium

May 23, 2025

The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR), in collaboration with the World Federation of KSIMC, NASIMCO, and IMI Canada, successfully concluded the ICAIR Islamic Futures Symposium, held from April 25–27, 2025 at the Jaffari Community Centre (JCC) in Toronto, Canada. The event opened with a Public Forum on Friday evening, welcoming community members to engage with some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the community today. The forum served as an important platform to introduce the themes of the symposium and to highlight lived experiences, concerns, and aspirations. The public forum was live streamed for community members around the world and is now available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/fdy1MQpId04?si=gh8kF3JeEfFfNkcf Following the forum, over 50 distinguished scholars, professionals, and thought leaders convened for two days of expert panels and interdisciplinary roundtables. The closed-door symposium explored how Islamic thought intersects with contemporary global challenges, focusing on three critical areas: Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Ethics, and Education. Symposium Highlights included: Artificial Intelligence: Islamic ethical perspectives on AI development, challenges around data privacy and social justice, and the future of autonomous technologies. Biomedical Ethics: Islamic frameworks for navigating end-of-life care, emerging medical technologies, and contemporary bioethical dilemmas. Education: Strategies for modernizing Islamic education while preserving core values, and integrating traditional scholarship with digital-age learning. The symposium’s key outcomes include: A comprehensive final report detailing insights and strategic recommendations, Development of white papers on Islamic perspectives in AI, education, and biomedical ethics. Formation of collaborative networks for sustained scholarly and professional engagement. A research and policy action plan to guide future initiatives. ICAIR extends its heartfelt gratitude to all community members, participants, delegates, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this landmark event.
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ICAIR Seminar: “Legacy of Insight: The Ahl al-Bayt’s (a) Contribution to Qur’anic Exegesis”

March 3, 2025

The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) is pleased to invite you to attend its next in-person seminar, “Legacy of Insight: The Ahl al-Bayt’s (a) Contribution to Qur’anic Exegesis”, with Dr Shaykh Mohammed Ali Ismail, to be held on Friday, March 7th, 2025, at 9:45 PM. In line with the Qur’anic spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan, this seminar will explore the profound impact of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) on Qur’anic exegesis, highlighting their role as the paramount interpreters of the Holy Qur’an. As the infallible intellectual and spiritual heirs of Prophet Muhammad (s), their insights are pivotal for a deeper and richer understanding of the Qur’an. The session unfolds in two parts. The first establishes why the Ahl al-Bayt (a) are revered as the foremost authorities in Qur’anic interpretation, a role deeply rooted in the Qur’an and Sunna. The second part examines three primary methods by which the Ahl al-Bayt (a) have transmitted their knowledge of the Qur’an: teaching tafsīr to their companions, elucidating the exoteric and esoteric meanings of the verses, and living out the teachings of the Qur’an in their daily lives. Event Details: • Topic: Legacy of Insight: The Ahl al-Bayt’s (a) Contribution to Qur’anic Exegesis • Speaker: Dr Shaykh Mohammed Ali Ismail • Date: Friday, March 7th, 2025 • Time: 9:45 PM • Location: WF House, Moorhall Road, UB9 6NS Food will be provided following the seminar, and free parking is available at the venue.
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ICAIR Seminar: ‘What is Nahj al-Balagha About?’

January 22, 2025

What isn’t Nahj al-Balagha about? Commanding, as it does, such immense reverence as a repository of Imam Ali’s (as) words, the variety of texts within Nahj and the commentaries written upon it over a millennium have invited this book to speak to an almost boundless range of realities, thoughts and experiences. These near-universals, nevertheless, are paired with specifics. Nahj collects some texts about the Imam and excludes others; it emphasises some topics at the expense of others; it was collected by a particular scholar, al-Sharīf al-Raḍī, at a particular time, in a particular way; indeed, it is emphatically different to other collections of the Imams’ words written during the same period. What do these specifics tell us about the nature of the text and the aims of its compiler? Join the International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) for a seminar with Dr George Warner that will locate Nahj al-Balagha in the context of its compilation, tracing the broader spectrum of how the Imams were remembered, represented and thought about. Focussing upon the ethical guidance that Nahj contains and the historical troubles that it narrates, we will try to understand the kind of encounter with the Imam that al-Raḍī sought to undertake – for himself and for his readers – and how his response to an era of such intense debate about the Imamate produced an account of Imam Ali (as) with such timeless appeal. Event Details: • Topic: What is Nahj al-Balagha About? • Date: Friday, January 31st, 2025 • Time: 7:00 PM • Location: WF House, Moorhall Road, UB96NS Dinner will be provided following the seminar, and free parking is available at the venue.
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ICAIR Seminar: Akhbarism and Usulism

December 14, 2024

The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) is pleased to invite you to attend its next in-person seminar with Ayatollah Syed Aqeel al-Gharavi on the topic of “Akhbarism and Usulism and their relevance in contemporary debates”, to be held on Saturday, December 14th, at 5:30pm at The WF House, Moorhall Road, UB9 6NS. Join us for a fascinating exploration of two pivotal intellectual traditions in Shi'i Islam - Akhbarism and Usulism. While these terms frequently surface in contemporary discussions about Shi'ism and Islamic legal thought, their historical context and true meanings are often misunderstood or oversimplified. Ayatollah Syed Aqeel al-Gharavi will trace the historical development of these schools of thought, challenging common assumptions about their differences and examining the nuanced debates that shaped their evolution. The talk will move beyond the traditional characterisation of Akhbaris as pure traditionalists and Usulis as rationalists, revealing a more complex intellectual landscape that continues to influence Islamic legal and theological discourse today.
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ICAIR Seminar: Tawassul and Ziyarah in Islamic Thought

October 5, 2024

The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) is pleased to invite you to attend its next in-person seminar entitled "Tawassul and Ziyarah in Islamic Thought", to be held on Saturday, October 5th, at 7:15pm UK Time at The WF House, Moorhall Road, UB9 6NS. The seminar, presented by Shaykh Dr Vinay Khetia, will explore the theological and historical foundations of Tawassul (intercession) and Ziyarah (visitation) in the Imami Shi'a tradition. Dr Khetia will delve into the scriptural basis, philosophical underpinnings, and practical applications of these important concepts in Islamic spirituality and practice. Key topics to be covered include: - The Quranic and hadith foundations of Tawassul and Ziyarah - Historical development of these practices in Imami thought - Theological debates surrounding intercession in Islamic scholarship - The role of Ziyarah in Shi'a spiritual life and community cohesion - Contemporary discussions and challenges regarding these practices A dedicated prayer space is available on-site for attendees, dinner will be served following the seminar, and ample free parking is available at the venue.
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ICAIR Seminar: Shahida Bint al-Huda and Her Novels

August 3, 2024

The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) is pleased to invite you to attend its next in-person seminar entitled "Shahida Bint al-Huda and Her Novels", to be held on Saturday, August 3rd, at 6pm UK Time at The WF House, Moorhall Road, UB9 6NS. The seminar, presented by Dr Hawraa Al-Hassan, will shed light on Shahida Bint al-Huda's foresight in leveraging the growing popularity of novels in the 1960s and 70s to promote Islamic values during a period of rising secularism in Iraq. Shahida Bint al-Huda, born Amina Haydar al-Sadr in 1938 in Kadhimiya, Baghdad, was a prominent Iraqi educator, political activist, and writer. Guided and influenced by her brother, Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr, she played a vital role in promoting Islamic awareness among Iraqi women, establishing and leading several religious schools for girls. Bint al-Huda was deeply concerned with the challenges faced by Muslim women and the threats to Islamic ideology in Iraq. In her twenties, she began writing influential articles for the Islamic magazine al-Adwaa. Later, she turned to novel writing to reach a wider audience, using fiction to provide role models for women and critique the regime’s policies. In 1980, she and her brother were arrested and executed by Saddam Hussein’s regime. Dr Al-Hassan will focus on three key aspects of Shahida Bint al-Huda’s novels: how they provided much-needed role models for young devout women at a time when secularism dominated Iraqi culture and public discourse; how Bint al-Huda used novels as a non-threatening medium to challenge the ruling Ba’th party’s policies towards women, engaging in a battle for the hearts and minds of Iraqi Shi’a women; and how Bint al-Huda’s works contributed to creating a sense of belonging among the religious and devout, which was crucial given that all sectors of Iraqi society had undergone unrelenting secularisation processes which threatened traditional ways of life. We look forward to your participation in this seminar that highlights Shahida Bint al-Huda’s literary achievements and their impact on Iraqi society.
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Virtual Seminar: The Ethics of Karbala

April 20, 2024

On Sunday, July 21st, the International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) hosted a virtual seminar entitled “The Ethics of Karbala.” The session featured Professor Cyrus Ali Zargar, Al-Ghazali Distinguished Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Central Florida, who explored the ethical and philosophical dimensions of the Karbala narrative. Drawing from his recent book The Ethics of Karbala, Professor Zargar discussed how sacred narratives can shape moral character and cultivate a “warrior ethos” grounded in care, compassion, and selflessness. His talk highlighted how a virtue-ethics approach can offer new insights into one of the most pivotal moments in Islamic history, engaging interdisciplinary perspectives that span global philosophy and religious studies.
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ICAIR Holds its Third Annual Conference

June 4, 2024

From April 19th to 21st, 2024, the International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) hosted its third annual conference in Toronto, Canada, in partnership with NASIMCO and the Jaffari Community Centre. The conference, titled "God in the Modern World", drew over 400 attendees from around the world, including scholars, theologians, and thinkers, who gathered to discuss the significance of religion and faith in today's society and address the challenges posed by secularism, postmodernism, and technological progress. One of the conference's highlights was a scholarly roundtable held at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, on April 19th. The roundtable, titled "Theologies of Intercession", brought together scholars from both traditional seminary and academic backgrounds to engage in a lively and profound discussion on this crucial topic in Shi'i theology. The high level of engagement among participants was noteworthy, and the event was featured in Emmanuel College's magazine. Over the course of the weekend, more than 20 scholars presented their research on various topics at the Jaffari Community Centre (JCC). The conference was extremely well-attended and had a lively atmosphere: attendees were eager to learn from the diverse array of presentations and engaged in thought-provoking discussions and exchanged ideas during the breaks between sessions. The conference also featured keynote speeches by senior scholars such as Ayatollah Jawadi Amoli, Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, and Shaykh Dr Murtadha Alidina, Head of Islamic Education at The World Federation. The conference attracted a large number of attendees, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere throughout the weekend. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions provided platforms for attendees to interact with speakers and explore the topics in greater depth. During the lunch and coffee breaks, participants had ample opportunities to network, share ideas, and continue the conversations sparked by the presentations and discussions. The conference also saw the announcement of the winners of ICAIR's photography competition, on the theme of “Faith and Modernity”, which encouraged community members of all ages and skill levels to express their understanding of faith creatively through a visual lens. Visit the ICAIR Instagram page to see the winning entries: https://www.instagram.com/icair_ac/ For those who could not attend in person, the conference was live-streamed on ICAIR's YouTube channel, and a recording of the event is now available for viewing:
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ICAIR’s first photography competition 2024

April 20, 2024

The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) invites you to participate in our inaugural photography competition, "Faith in Modernity: Seeking the Divine in a Secular Age". This competition is launched in conjunction with our annual international conference, "God in the Modern World", which will be held from April 19 to 21, 2024, at the Jaffari Community Centre in Toronto.
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