Ismaili Gnosis

Ismaili Gnosis

Share this post

Ismaili Gnosis
Ismaili Gnosis
Harvard University Course on Ismaili History and Thought in Spring 2014

Harvard University Course on Ismaili History and Thought in Spring 2014

Ismaili Gnosis's avatar
Ismaili Gnosis
Jan 09, 2014

Share this post

Ismaili Gnosis
Ismaili Gnosis
Harvard University Course on Ismaili History and Thought in Spring 2014
Share

Harvard University is offering a university course called Ismaili History and Thought for the Spring 2014 semester beginning in January. The course is designed and taught by Professor Ali S. Asani (Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures) and is open to Harvard undergraduate and graduate students.

The Ismā‘īlī Muslims constitute the second largest branch of Shī‘ī Islam and recognize the continuation of the spiritual and religious authority of the Prophet Muḥammad through his cousin and son-in-law ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib – whom they recognize as the first in a series of hereditary Imāms who are the sole legitimate authorities for the interpretation of Islam. This course deals with the history, doctrines, philosophies, rituals and devotional traditions of three major Shī‘ī Ismā‘īlī Muslim communities – the Nizari Ismā‘īlīs, the Tayyibi Ismā‘īlīs (Dawoodi Bohras), and the Druze. 

1) Introduction to the Ismā‘īlīs
2) History of the Ismā‘īlīs
3) Conceptions of Imamah
4) Messianic Doctrines
5) Theology, Philosophy and Exegesis
6) Ritual Practice and Devotional Traditions
7) Ismaili Communities in Contemporary Contexts

Course readings include the latest books, articles, and literature in the field of Ismaili studies and shed light upon many important issues such as the Ismā‘īlī doctrine of Imāmah – its evolution through history and articulation in different contexts, Ismā‘īlī philosophy, Ismā‘īlī ritual practice, the diversity of Ismā‘īlī devotional traditions, and the experience of Ismā‘īlī communities in modern times.

Click Here to see the official course description on Harvard’s website.


Subscribe to Ismaili Gnosis

Hundreds of paid subscribers
Scholarly and Faith-Based Articles on Shi'i Ismaili Muslim beliefs, theology, theosophy, history, and ritual practices

Share this post

Ismaili Gnosis
Ismaili Gnosis
Harvard University Course on Ismaili History and Thought in Spring 2014
Share

Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Weekly Q&A: Hazar Imam's Comments on Palestine-Israel Conflict
A compilation of the Imam's past interview remarks about Palestine and Israel
Oct 8, 2023 • 
Ismaili Gnosis
72

Share this post

Ismaili Gnosis
Ismaili Gnosis
Weekly Q&A: Hazar Imam's Comments on Palestine-Israel Conflict
11
Do Ismailis Have to Fast in Ramadan? Zahiri & Batini Fasting in Ismaili History
Esoteric Haqiqi Fasting is obligatory all-year; the Ramadan Zahiri Fasting is optional
Mar 6, 2024 • 
Ismaili Gnosis
26

Share this post

Ismaili Gnosis
Ismaili Gnosis
Do Ismailis Have to Fast in Ramadan? Zahiri & Batini Fasting in Ismaili History
6
Succession of Imamat: Q&A on Nur, Nass and Nasab (Lineage)
Theological & Historical Answers about the Succession of Imamat in 2025
Mar 11 • 
Ismaili Gnosis
32

Share this post

Ismaili Gnosis
Ismaili Gnosis
Succession of Imamat: Q&A on Nur, Nass and Nasab (Lineage)
8

Ready for more?

© 2025 Ismaili Gnosis
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Create your profile

User's avatar

Only paid subscribers can comment on this post

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

Check your email

For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.

Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.