

The Insight Interviews
Shi'a Research Institute
An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Brought to you by the Shi'a Research Institute in Toronto, Canada.
shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviews
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 27, 2025 • 51min
Ep. 25 | An Exploration of the Nahj al-Balagha | The Insight Interviews
An informative discussion with Dr. Tahera Qutbuddin (Oxford University), on her latest publication, her career journey, and what led her to the work of Imam ‘Ali.Since July 2023, Dr. Qutbuddin is the AlBabtain Laudian Professor of Arabic in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford, and a Professorial Fellow of St John’s College. She teaches classical Arabic literature from its oral beginnings in the 7th century to the cusp of modernity around 1800, seeing it as a direct window into the rich culture and thought of the vast medieval Arabic-speaking world.Hosted by Dr. Vinay Khetia, this instalment in our series 'The Insight Interviews', promises to be an engaging conversation.The Insight Interviews:An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Learn more at https://shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviewsView the series playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgu_sYFBPFVV5yBiwTU9snnvMmMlw41gpFollow us on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/ShiaResearchInsTwitter: https://twitter.com/ShiaResearchInsFacebok: https://facebook.com/ShiaResearchInsContribute to SRI to help us continue creating high quality research and content:https://shiaresearch.ca/donate/

Jun 29, 2025 • 56min
Ep. 24 | In the Presence of the King - Intercession in Islam | The Insight Interviews
In this enlightening conversation, Professor Luca Patrizi, an expert in Islamic Studies, dives into the rich nuances of intercession in Islam. He discusses devotional practices within Shi'i literature and the theological implications in Sunni traditions. The chat also explores the motivations behind the destruction of holy sites, revealing deep-rooted theological beliefs. Additionally, Patrizi highlights the significance of the Prophet Muhammad's family and the evolving understanding of intercession across Islamic thought, bridging historical insights with contemporary discussions.

5 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ep. 23 | Shi’a Theology and the Life of al-Sharif al-Murtada | The Insight Interviews
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Hussein Ali Abdulsater, an expert in Islamic intellectual history from Notre Dame University, unpacks his research on Shi'a theology and Mu'tazili thought. He highlights the life of al-Sharif al-Murtada, emphasizing his pivotal role in Shi'a scholarship amidst Baghdad's political turmoil. The conversation also delves into the intricate relationship between Shiism and Mu'tazilism, as well as the evolving interpretations within Shi'a discourse, showcasing how individual scholars shaped theological debates and community identities.

Mar 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep. 22 | Shi'i Identity and the Islamic Past | The Insight Interviews
An informative discussion with Dr. Najam Haider on his books “The Origins of the Shi’a” and “The Rebel and the Imam in Early Islam”Hosted by Dr. Vinay Khetia, this instalment in our series 'The Insight Interviews', promises to be an engaging conversation.The Insight Interviews:An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Learn more at https://shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviewsView the series playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgu_sYFBPFVV5yBiwTU9snnvMmMlw41gpFollow us on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/ShiaResearchInsTwitter: https://twitter.com/ShiaResearchInsFacebok: https://facebook.com/ShiaResearchInsContribute to SRI to help us continue creating high quality research and content:https://shiaresearch.ca/donate/

Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep. 21 | The Anthropology of Muslim Authority in Europe | The Insight Interviews
An informative discussion on Dr. Thijl Sunier's book “Making Islam Work - Islamic Authority among Muslims in Western Europe” published by Brill Press.
Hosted by Dr. Vinay Khetia, this instalment in our series 'The Insight Interviews', promises to be an engaging conversation.
The Insight Interviews:
An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Learn more at https://shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviews
View the series playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgu_sYFBPFVV5yBiwTU9snnvMmMlw41gp
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ShiaResearchIns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiaResearchIns
Facebok: https://facebook.com/ShiaResearchIns
Contribute to SRI to help us continue creating high quality research and content:
https://shiaresearch.ca/donate/

Dec 29, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 20 | Exploring Islamic Thought & Philosophy: A Chat with Dr Rustom | The Insight Interviews
An informative discussion with Dr. Mohammed Rustom of Carleton University. Hosted by Dr. Cyrus Zargar, of the University of Central Florida.
The Insight Interviews:
An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Learn more at https://shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviews
View the series playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgu_sYFBPFVV5yBiwTU9snnvMmMlw41gp
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ShiaResearchIns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiaResearchIns
Facebok: https://facebook.com/ShiaResearchIns
Contribute to SRI to help us continue creating high quality research and content:
https://shiaresearch.ca/donate/

Nov 24, 2024 • 1h 13min
Ep. 19 | Islam Through an Evangelical Christian Lens | The Insight Interviews
An informative discussion on Dr. Richard McCallum’s book “Evangelical Christian Responses to Islam” published by Bloomsbury Press.
Hosted by Dr. Vinay Khetia, this instalment in our series 'The Insight Interviews', promises to be an engaging conversation.
The Insight Interviews:
An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Learn more at https://shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviews
View the series playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgu_sYFBPFVV5yBiwTU9snnvMmMlw41gp
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ShiaResearchIns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiaResearchIns
Facebok: https://facebook.com/ShiaResearchIns
Contribute to SRI to help us continue creating high quality research and content:
https://shiaresearch.ca/donate/

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 18 | The Use of Reason in Islamic Theology: An Exploration of Nasir al-Din al-Tusi
Syed Muhammad Rizvi, Principal of Shia Research Institute, interviews Dr. Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad, The Prophet Muhammad University Professor of Shia Islam Studies at Florida International University.
They discuss his intellectual journey and his extensive work in translating Nasir al-Din al-Tusi's Tajrīd al-Iʿtiqād (Abstracta Theologica) which is forthcoming with the Shia Research Institute.
This conversation sheds light on the rich intellectual history of theology in the Shiʿī tradition in which these two scholars engage in a fruitful and intellectual exchange.
The Insight Interviews:
An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Learn more at https://shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviews
View the series playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgu_sYFBPFVV5yBiwTU9snnvMmMlw41gp
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ShiaResearchIns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiaResearchIns
Facebok: https://facebook.com/ShiaResearchIns
Contribute to SRI to help us continue creating high quality research and content:
https://shiaresearch.ca/donate/

Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 7min
Ep. 17 | Religious and Political Authority in Medieval Islam | The Insight Interviews
An informative discussion on Dr. Nebil Husayn’s book “Caliphate and Imamate : An Anthology of Medieval Muslim Texts on Political Theology” published by Cambridge University Press
Hosted by Dr. Vinay Khetia, this instalment in our series 'The Insight Interviews', promises to be an engaging conversation.
The Insight Interviews:
An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Learn more at https://shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviews
View the series playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgu_sYFBPFVV5yBiwTU9snnvMmMlw41gp
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ShiaResearchIns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiaResearchIns
Facebok: https://facebook.com/ShiaResearchIns
Contribute to SRI to help us continue creating high quality research and content:
https://shiaresearch.ca/donate/

Jul 28, 2024 • 58min
Ep. 16 | Exploring the Ethics of Karbala and the Warrior Ethos | The Insight Interviews
An informative discussion with Dr. Cyrus Zargar’s book “The Ethics of Karbala – Myths, Modernity, and Virtues of Nobility”
Hosted by Dr. Vinay Khetia, this instalment in our series 'The Insight Interviews', promises to be an engaging conversation.
The Insight Interviews:
An informative series of academic discussions, taking a deeper dive on a variety of unique topics. Learn more at https://shiaresearch.ca/insight-interviews
View the series playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgu_sYFBPFVV5yBiwTU9snnvMmMlw41gp
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ShiaResearchIns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiaResearchIns
Facebok: https://facebook.com/ShiaResearchIns
Contribute to SRI to help us continue creating high quality research and content:
https://shiaresearch.ca/donate/