Venue: Qom, Iran

The University of Religions and Denominations (URD) – Qom, Iran- has organized the 12^th intensive Course on Shi’i Studies (24 February to 4 March 2022) for scholars, professors, and students from various academic backgrounds, who are interested in expanding their understanding of Islam and Shiism.

Shi’i Intensive Course gives you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge, expand your international experience, and study unique and interesting subjects on Shiism and Iran.

Studying at URD Shi’a Intensive Course is the perfect way to broaden your academic and cultural horizons at an Iran-leading university and is a fantastic option to enjoy one of the world’s most unique cities. Our social programs let you experience the best of the city, while our class schedule gives you plenty of opportunities to explore Shi’i Islam in Iran. The course also includes a 5-day cultural tour (Matin-Abad, Isfahan, Shiraz) to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that Iran has to offer.

More information on: https://shiacourse.urd.ac.ir/

Venue: Research Institute of Hawzah and University, Tehran & Qom, Iran

Conference Themes

– An introduction to pathologies of Ahlalbayt (AS) history studies in contemporary era

– Pathology of Ahlalbayt (AS) history studies in contemporary era: documents and sources

– Pathology of Ahlalbayt (AS) history studies in contemporary era: purposes and methodologies

– Pathology of Ahlalbayt (AS) history studies in contemporary era: basics and approaches

– Pathology of Ahlalbayt (AS) history studies in contemporary era: regional and international issues

Conference Website: http://ahlalbaytconf.rihu.ac.ir/en

Organizer: Hikmat International Institute

Hikmat International Institute is organizing a learning tour of Iran from 7 – 21 of September 2019 for professors, students, and anyone else who want to explore Iran and learn more about Shiism and culture, other religions and history of the country. In this tour, the participants will see Iran’s most important tourist attractions in 6 major cities. Also, there will be a session to talk about religion and culture in Iran. The tour will include the unique opportunity to experience the Ashura festival at Yazd. An introduction to the significance and the ritual of the festival will be given. The tour will be held with high standards and is an amazing opportunity.

Prof. Morteza Rezazadeh, founder and president of Hikmat International Institute will lead this learning tour. As a graduate of the Islamic Seminaries of Qom and Hartford Seminary in the United States, he is an expert in Religions; mainly Islamic and Shiite Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations. As a professor of Islamic theology and jurisprudence, he is ideally equipped to introduce foreigners to the culture and religion of Iran.

Prof. Hans-Christian Günther of the Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg/ Germany is the co-leader of the learning tour and will assist with the organizing and will accompany the tour.

Source: Hikmat International Institute

Venue: Qom, Iran

Shi’a Islam, with its rich and extensive history, has played a crucial role in the evolution of Islam as both a major faith and a civilization. Shi’a Muslims account for approximately 15 percent of the total Muslim population in the world.

Organized by the University of Religions and Denominations, the Shi’a Intensive Course endeavors to enhance scholarly attention to Shi’a Islam and offer an original and insightful understanding of its history, doctrines, and practices. Combining the classical Shi’ite thought and the current political, social and religious concerns of Shi’ite society in Iran, this program aims to offer scholarly perspectives on challenging issues that affect contemporary Iran.

After eight general courses of Shi’a Studies, in the 9th International Course, we have decided to focus specifically on the Status of the Shi’a Seminaries and address topics such as: the history of formation and the course of changes in the seminary; seminary schools of thought; educational, teaching and propagational systems; the place of ethics and spirituality; characteristics of women’s seminaries; the status of Marja’iyyah (religious authority) and its socio-political status in the world. The course provides 24 hours of specialized lectures by experts of the field (along with Q & A sessions and free discussion) per week.

Taking part in URD’s Shiʿa Intensive Course is the perfect way to enjoy one of the world’s most unique cities, Qom. Our social programs let you experience the best of the city, while our class schedule provides plenty of opportunities to explore Shi’a Islam in Iran. You could even opt for an extra 4-day cultural tour to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that Iran has to offer.

This program is accredited by the University of Religions and Denominations. Participants will attend pre-planned workshops and lectures presented in English, and a special certificate will be awarded to each participant upon successful completion and meeting program requirements.

Source: Society of Architectural Historians

Venue: Qom, Iran

Organizer: The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities

The Madinah & Bab youth summer course is officially back for the 17th year running for young people aged between 14- 24 and want to steer them towards an amazing opportunity for spiritual and educational development.

Through insightful lectures, wholesome physical activities, and visits to holy sites, the course will ensure they gain Islamic Knowledge and enhance their spirituality while having lots of fun. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the cities of Qum, Mashhad, Tehran and other historical places.

Aims of the Madinah and Bab al-Ilm Course:

1. To assist one to realize their spiritual potential.
2. To further one’s knowledge of Islam.
3. To enable one to perform the Ziyarah of holy personalities.
4. To provide the means for gaining an insight into Hawzah life.
5. To facilitate friendship-making with Shias of different cultures and backgrounds.
6. To create an atmosphere that is conducive to meaningful reflection. 
7. To further one’s understanding of the lives of the Ulama and pious individuals.
8. To enhance one’s appreciation of Shia Islamic culture, history, and heritage.
9. To provide opportunities for recreation and exploring places of outstanding natural beauty.

The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities has existed for over 30 years. We are a faith-based organization, consisting of about 125,000 community members worldwide, mainly in Canada, East Africa, India, Middle East, Pakistan, The United Kingdom and the United States of America. The World Federation is made up of member organizations based in different regions.

Source: world-federation.org

Venue: University of Religions and Denominations, Pardisan, Qom, Iran

Registration Deadline: February 14, 2018

Shiʿi Islam, with its rich and extensive history, has played a crucial role in the evolution of Islam as both a major world religion and civilization. Shiʿa Muslims account for approximately 15 percent of the total Muslim population in the world. Shiism has the greatest influence in the contemporary world in Iran where nearly 90 percent of Muslims are Shiite.

The Shi’a Intensive Course endeavors to enhance scholarly attention to Shiʿi Islam and offer an original and insightful understanding of its history, doctrines and practices. Combining the classical Shiʿa thought and the current political, social, and religious concerns of Shiʿa society in Iran, The Shi’a Intensive Course aims to offer an informed and scholarly Shi’a perspective on traditional and contemporary issues that affect Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Shiʿa Intensive Course gives you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge, expand your international experience, and study unique and interesting subjects on Shiism and Iran. The course provides 32 hours of supported academic lectures and discussions per week, along with the chance to take part in reflective events and visits to make the best of your international experience.

Studying at URD Shiʿa Intensive Course is the perfect way to broaden your academic and cultural horizons at an Iran-leading university and is a fantastic option to enjoy one of the world’s most unique cities. Our social programs let you experience the best of the city, while our class schedule gives plenty of opportunity to explore Shi’i Islam in Iran. You could even opt for an extra 4-day cultural tour to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that Iran has to offer.

The whole program is accredited by the University of Religions and Denominations. Participants will attend in pre-planned workshops and lectures presented in English, and a special certificate will be awarded to each participant upon the successful participation and meeting program requirements.

Workshop Program

• Opening and Introduction
• Shi’a Doctrines
• Shi’a Rituals
• Shi’a Ethics and Mysticism
• Shi’a Authority and Political Thought
• Shi’a and Contemporary Challenges

Cultural Tour

• 23 February: Tehran
• 26-28 February: Desert, Abyaneh, Isfahan

For registration please visit: http://shiacourse.urd.ac.ir/apply/application-process/

Source: http://shiacourse.urd.ac.ir/

Venue: Qom, Iran

Organized by: Al-Hikmah Institute of Al-Mustafa International University

Al-hikmah Institute of Al-Mustafa International University organizes a summer program for Shi‘a studies. This program provides a format for introducing and discussing Shi‘a history, thoughts, beliefs, demography, Shi‘a governments, education system, branches and denominations, as well as ideological roots of Islamic revolution in Iran.

This program is intended for students and researchers who are interested in Islamic studies, Shi‘a studies, Iranian studies, eastern studies and Middle Eastern studies. It provides practical instruction and guidance not only for students, but also for anyone who wants to learn Islam and Shi‘a.

The program will include a sightseeing of the most important cities like Qom, Tehran, Isfahan, Kashan and Yazd for those who are interested.

Themes and Topics

• Shi‘a; Definitions and Denominations
• History of Shi‘a
• Shi‘a Hadith
• Specialties of Shi‘a Theology and Fiqh
• Shi‘a Governments During History
• Shi‘a Imams; Identity and Life
• History of Shi‘a Education (Hawza Elmiyah)
• Theory of Wilayat Faqih and Thoughts Imam Khomeini

Target group

The course is open for foreign people who hold or engage in Bachelor Degree or higher educational level. The course is highly recommended for advanced MA Students and PhD-Students in Religious Studies (Scientific Study of Religion), History of Religions, Islamic studies, Shi‘a Studies, Area Studies (Oriental Studies, Islamic Studies, East Asian Studies, Central Asian Studies, South Asian Studies, Iranian Studies), Theologies, Philosophy, Sociology of Religions.

To apply, please visit the website: http://alhikmah.miu.ac.ir/en/

Date: March 3-6, 2018

Venue: Qom, Iran

Gender, though has always been crucial in shaping societies, now there are much clear views of the ways in which gender and society interact. Misconceptions persist, however, particularly concerning women’s life in Muslim world. The dominant image of a Muslim women often combines powerlessness and passivity claimed to be rooted in religion and culture. From this point of view, it is said that the status of women and the family in Iran have to a great extend been influenced by what can be called the Shi’i Islamic Culture.

While the issue of gender and women in Iran seems to be of interest and increasingly subject of dissection both in media and academics around the globe, it must be admitted that no appreciable advance has been made in general knowledge of Shi’i Islamic approach on women’s and gender studies.

The WRC Intensive Course endeavors to enhance scholarly attention to Gender and Women’s Studies based on Islamic Shi’a point of view and seeks to offer an original and insightful image of women in Iran. WRC Intensive Course gives you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge, expand your international experience, and study unique and interesting subjects related to women, gender and family in Iran. This immersive course provides 16 hours of supported academic lectures and discussion, along with the chance to take part in reflective events and visits to make the best of your international experience.

You could even opt for an extra 3-day tour of Isfahan and Tehran to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that Iran has to offer.

The whole program is accredited by the Woman and family research center (WRC) in collaboration with the University of Religions and Denominations (URD). Participants will attend in pre-planned workshops and lectures presented in English and a special certificate will be awarded to each participant upon the successful participation.

Source: http://shortcourse.wrc.ir/

Participants between the ages of 14 to 24, from Khoja communities worldwide, went on 3-week Islamic educational courses. These were conducted by scholars and senior students of the Hawza establishment in the holy cities of Qom, Mashhad and Tehran.

The courses included sessions on Islamic studies and cultural activities, as well as sessions focused around personal development. Workshops and interactive sessions were held to allow participants to deeper understand some of the knowledge they had gained previously. This was enhanced through cultural relevance of Islam in the modern age. As a result, participants reached higher levels of spirituality and were left inspired to do more in their communities.

Source: The World Federation of KSIMC

Call for Papers

Date: December 17-19, 2017

Venue: Al-Hikmah Institute, Qom, Iran

Submission Deadline: November 1, 2017

The International Institute for Peace and Religions (IIPR) intends an event to be happen on the subject of Prophetic Model of Interfaith Dialogue with Christians. This event benefits from the famous letter of prophet Muhammad called “The Promise of Muhammad to the Christians until End of the World” IIPR also intends to have a “Call for Paper” note on the site inviting friends from other faiths to take part in this event and specially to have a comparison between this letter and the Second Vatican Council document opening the horizons for dialogue.

IIPR invites all papers, yet especially those dealing with the following:

• Prophet Muhammad’s model of dialogue and the Second Vatican Council
• any interreligious manifestations
• modern challenges of being religious
• problems in education related to the social and cultural change
• the best models of dialogue
• the idea of the university in the modern world
• academics and academic work in the contemporary times
• cultural and social experience of interreligious dialogue
• challenges of intercultural societies
• Second Vatican Council

Contact person

Dr. Sheikh Taher Amini Golestani

Email: t.amini@iipr.ir, taheramini2010@gmail.com

Source: The International Institute for Peace and Religions (IIPR)