The Shi’a Research Institute, based in Toronto, Canada, is an academic organization committed to advancing the scholarly study of Shi’a Islam. Created to address the growing need for accessible and rigorous Shi’a scholarship in North America, SRI brings together academics and researchers passionate about deepening the understanding of Shi’i intellectual traditions in a modern context.

In the past two decades, new research centers have emerged that advance Islamic scholarship with Canadian academic institutions. However, the Shi’a perspective remains underrepresented, with little effort made to understand the religious dynamics of Shi’i Islam or engage deeply with its committed community. This gap led to the founding of SRI by a group of scholars, educators, and professionals who envisioned an academic space rooted in authentic Shi’i thought.

SRI’s mission is to be the leading institution for Shi’i studies in North America, offering a platform for the study and dissemination of Shi’a Islamic thought. As a private non-profit supported by the grassroots Shi’a community, they blend faith-based and scholarly approaches to education. SRI is not only concerned with preserving tradition, but also with critically engaging with it—asking difficult questions, encouraging dialogue, and nurturing intellectual growth.

SRI offers a wide range of activities designed to inspire and educate. These include public lectures, academic conferences, and short-term courses that explore various aspects of Shi’i theology, history, and philosophy. One of its key initiatives is The Insight, a podcast and interview series that features discussions with scholars and thought leaders on pressing contemporary topics. The Institute also regularly publishes original research, translation work, and analytical essays through its online platform, contributing valuable perspectives to both academic and public discourse.

Board of Directors

• Principal: Syed Muhammad Rizvi
• Academic Director: Vinay Khetia
• Directors: Akil Karim and Syed Mahdi Rizvi

Contacts

• Address: Suite 313, Toronto School of Theology, 47 Queen’s Park Crescent East, Toronto, ON M5S 2C3, Canada
• Phone: +1 (416) 624-7861
• Email: info@shiaresearch.ca
• Website: https://shiaresearch.ca/