Educational Resources

“This text offers a wide-ranging overview of the principal tenets of Shi‘i Islam. It is useful not only as an introductory text on Shi’i thought and practice, but also as a contemporary expression, from within, of this vibrant branch of the Islamic faith.”

This book is a primer on the main theological and historical components of Shīʿī Islam as well as some history. Written for a non-Muslim audience.

Explores the nature of free will in Islamic theology

Explores the nature of salvation in Islamic theology

"[A] cornerstone of Twelver Shi‘i theology that has long served as a foundational textbook in seminaries. It is the most distinguished commentary on Tajrid al-I‘tiqad by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi’s (d. 1274) whose life and contributions are detailed in the prefatory section."

1- God and His Attributes

2- Seal of the Prophets and His Message

3 – Resurrection, Judgement & the Hereafter

4 – Imamate and Leadership

These books are useful, accessible, and relevant primers for core Islamic theological topics.

This collection of essays covers topics regarding the relationship between humankind and faith, the implications of a monotheistic outlook on life, the role of philosophy in Islam, etc.

On the principles of religious thought and approach to life. It treates Islam as a spiritual tradition that has heavy social and intellectual impacts.

"The study continues by expounding the various interpretations of man and the universe in the stages of the Fall and culminates by addressing the plight of contemporary man and the difficulties of the modern anthropological perspective."

"[T]he writings translated here are essential for an understanding of contemporary of Shi’ite political thought, and for an understanding of the ideological developments which made possible the Islamic revolution in Iran.

But these works have a worth beyond what we may learn from them about Iran, or Shi'ism or Islam. The questions raised in this volume about martyrdom, about struggle against oppression and the role of religion in this struggle, are questions which must be raised by all people."

Describes the nature of righteousness and God-wariness

The collected prayers of the fourth Imam of the Family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt) are a wellspring for spiritual reflection and connection to the Divine.

"This groundbreaking translation brings to light how Mulla Muhsin Fayd Kashani engages with the Sunni Sufi tradition – particularly the ideas of al-Ghazzālī – for the benefit of a Shiʿi audience. In addition to presenting the inner mysteries of Islamic ritual practices, Kashani also explains the nature of the human character and how to cultivate, balance, and eliminate various traits. The work answers many common questions among Muslims such as what is the deeper meaning of fasting, or how to concentrate in prayer."

An introduction to the disciple of ʿIrfān (Islamic Mysticism), a specific approach to Islamic spirituality. "'Irfan (Shi'i spiritual teachings) as compared to tasawwuf (Sufism), its beliefs, practices, different parts (Shari'ah, Tariqa, and Haqiqa), as well as its major practitioners throughout Islamic History."

"This treatise (entitled Risaleh ye lubb ul-lubab dar sayr wa suluk e uli al albab) is based on the lectures on practical 'irfan of 'Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i, quddisa sirruh, the great contemporary exegete of the Qur'an and philosopher, delivered by him during the years 1949-1950…

This work has also been published by the State University of New York press, titled as Kernel of the Kernel Concerning the Wayfaring and Spiritual Journey of the People of Intellect (Risala-yi Lubb al-Lubab dar Sayr wa Suluk-i Ulul Albab) A Shi'i Approach to Sufism, with Mohammad H. Faghfoory as the translator. The foreword has been given by Seyyed Hossein Nasr."

The Pertinence of Islamic Cosmology in the Modern World

"With academic courses either encouraging commercialism, or cultivating zealots, Chittick states that it is impossible to understand classical Islamic texts without the years of contemplative study that are anathema to the modern education system. Insisting upon a return to the ways of the ancient wisdom tradition, which saw the quest for knowledge of the soul, the world, and God as a unifying spiritual discipline, Chittick maintains that the study of Islamic texts cannot be treated separately from self-understanding. Fascinating, radical, and a true challenge to modern trends in academic study, this book opens a new debate in Islamic thought."

"[A] detailed commentary on 40 selected traditions narrated through the Prophet (S) and his Ahl al-Bayt (a) on topics of ethics and spirituality."

"The internal struggle. Recommendations for religious students and seminaries. Importance of purifying the soul. Knowledge and faith. Includes advice on how to benefit from the blessed month of Ramadhan and the fasting and devotion therein."

"A detailed explanation of the strict disciplines and moral secrets of prayer, written by Imam Khomeini for the general public."

Sūrat al-Ḥujurāt (The Apartments) thematically focuses on moral relationships of believers between each other and the nature of faith.

On the Qurʾan's special characteritics and tools for studying the Qurʾan

A useful introductory work for understanding the Qurʾan. It brings out the significance of the Qur’an for the life of Muslims, the features of the sacred Text which seems enigmatic, the inner and outer levels of meaning of the Text and the sciences of the Qur’anic exegesis. It also treats in a clear and direct manner the Shi’ite understanding of the Qur’an and the role of the Imams in its interpretation.

"al-Asfa unveils the timeless wisdom of the Qur’an through narrations from Prophet Muhammad and his family, coupled with insightful commentary. Comprehensive and accessible, this seminal work is replete with unique gems from the genre of Shi‘i exegetical hadith, presenting fresh perspectives on the interpretation of the Qur’an. Infused with elements of spirituality and mysticism, this scholarly endeavour retains its relevance and impact, serving as a tribute to the author’s erudition, spiritual depth, and commitment to the Prophet’s familial hadith heritage."

"This text provides a thorough analysis of Sayyid Khomeini's interpretation of Surah Al-Fatiha.

Part 1 is an exploration of the Surah from the book “Sirr As-Salat”, shedding light on the hidden dimensions of these sacred verses.

Part 2 extends the examination with insights from the book "Disciplines of the Prayer," uncovering the mystical, philosophical, and jurisprudential elements of the Surah.

Parts 3 and 4 comprise a compilation of speeches by Sayyid Khomeini, offering a deeper understanding of this revered Surah from various angles."

The collected prayers of the fourth Imam of the Family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt) are a wellspring for spiritual reflection and connection to the Divine.

A rich collection of theological, spiritual, and political documents and statements attributed to Imam ʿAlī son of Abu Ṭālib

Especially selected for the Western reader by the renowned Islamic scholar Tabataba'i, a collection of sayings, sermons, prayers and writings that represent cross section of Shi'ite religious thought with an emphasis upon the principles and fundamentals (usul) of Islam, the passages from the traditions shed light on three basic dimensions of Shi'ite tradition: 1. The Unity of God 2. The political, social and moral teachings and 3. The spiritual life.

"This book outlines the history, development, and current practice of hadith science with special attention to Shiʿa scholarship. It covers hadith terminology, sources of hadith, chains of narration, categories of hadith, the criteria for accepting hadith narrators, and transmission of hadith. Additionally, the book includes a translation of a seminal work on hadith studies, Dirayat al-Hadith, by the renowned sixteenth-century Shiʿi scholar al-Shahid al-Thani ­– the work that paved the way for the modern Shiʿi study of hadith."

"Why were the early Muslims so ambivalent about recording the hadith, and did the ban on writing hadith mean that no hadith manuscripts survived? This new study explores the approach of the Prophet and the twelve Imams to the writing of hadith. It uncovers numerous Companions of the Prophet and students of the twelve Imams who are said to have left behind hadith manuscripts."

A history of the Prophet Muḥammad’s life and mission

A detailed and comprehensive history of the early stages of Islam as understood by followers of the Family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt)

"[C]ompiled to fill the need for a strongly reliable source on Imām Husayn’s (a) final days. Meticulously researched, it contains narrations about the Imām’s last stand that are found only in the earliest extant sources."

"A discussion of the role of the 8th Imam, Imam Ali ar-Rida, and the issues surrounding his nomination as heir to the Abbasid caliph Al-Mamun."

On the impact of Imam al-Ḥusayn's stand against Yazīd. "The impact of Karbala on the consciousness of Muslim society. Ziyara (pilgrimage), lamentation poetry, remembering Imam Husayn (a), and weeping."

"This text explores the social, political, and cultural climate of Arabia before the advent of Islam. The author provides a detailed analysis of the religious and cultural practices of the pre-Islamic Arab society and highlights the significance of the Prophet Muhammad's message of monotheism and social justice in that context. The book also delves into the early history of Islam and the challenges faced by the Prophet and his companions in spreading the message of Islam."

The Venture of Islam, Volume 1
The Classical Age of Islam

The Venture of Islam, Volume 2
The Expansion of Islam in the Middle Periods

The Venture of Islam, Volume 3
The Gunpower Empires and Modern Times

"The Venture of Islam has been honored as a magisterial work of the mind since its publication in early 1975. In this three-volume study, illustrated with charts and maps, Hodgson traces and interprets the historical development of Islamic civilization from before the birth of Muhammad to the middle of the twentieth century."

"[A] succinct manual representing a modern approach to the instruction of Islamic philosophy (falsafah). It provides a vital overview of twentieth-century philosophical thought in Iran, tracing its development within a religious tradition whose intellectual character was shaped by the Qur’ānic revelation and prophetic teachings."

A comprehensive introduction to Islamic Philosophy. "Existence, being, and nonbeing primarily feature in the first section of the book; this section includes the classic ideas of Avicenna, Suhrawardi, Mulla Sadra, and Sabzivari on the nature of existence. Other major topics include knowledge and perception, concepts, causality, and change. This comprehensive introduction to Islamic philosophy concludes with a discussion of questions related to the Divine attributes, essence, and deeds, such as the problem of evil and the question of predestination."

A brief overview of Jurisprudence or the Philosophy of Law (Uṣūl al-Fiqh) and Law (al-Fiqh)

On the role of dynamic inquiry into religious law (al-ijtihād) and the role of following an expert (al-taqlīd)

Describes the role of reason (al-ʿaql) in deriving religious law

The Pertinence of Islamic Cosmology in the Modern World

"With academic courses either encouraging commercialism, or cultivating zealots, Chittick states that it is impossible to understand classical Islamic texts without the years of contemplative study that are anathema to the modern education system. Insisting upon a return to the ways of the ancient wisdom tradition, which saw the quest for knowledge of the soul, the world, and God as a unifying spiritual discipline, Chittick maintains that the study of Islamic texts cannot be treated separately from self-understanding. Fascinating, radical, and a true challenge to modern trends in academic study, this book opens a new debate in Islamic thought."

A brief biography that traces the life and legacy of the important 20th century scholar Allāmah Muḥammad Ḥusayn Ṭabāṭabāʾī

A brief biography that traces the life and legacy of the important 20th century scholar Shahīd Murtaḍa Muṭahharī a student of Allāmah Muḥammad Ḥusayn Ṭabāṭabāʾī

A brief biography that traces the life and legacy of the important 20th century scholar Sayyid Ruḥullah al-Musawī al-Khomeini

"The discussion incorporates the problem of value which comprises divine ownership, its origin and extent, man's ownership, its origin, extent and types (individual ownership and its types, collective ownership and its types) and the effects of ownership as expressed in the right to possession, right to cede and its compulsory transfer. An in-depth attitude is being adopted while treating the sensitive areas of man's ownership and also the effects of such ownership expressed in terms of the right to possession and its exploitation, etc."

"The integrality and comprehensiveness of the Imam's personality and vision of Islam are such that analytical distinctions among their various dimensions are in a sense artificial, reflecting an effort to understand the Imam rather than his actuality. It is nonetheless legitimate – or at least inevitable – to speak of the Gnostic ( ‘irfani) and political aspects of his life and activity and to accord a certain primacy to the former, in terms of not only chronology but also significance."

A Quarterly Journal of Islamic Unity

"The Journal of Shi‘a Islamic Studies (JSIS) is a refereed academic journal published bianually by ICAS Press for The Islamic College. The journal conscientiously aims to provide a scholarly platform for critical and informed articles in all fields of Shi‘a studies, including Qur’an and hadith studies, theology, philosophy, mysticism, jurisprudence, and history."