The AMI Podcast

Dr. Muhammed Reza Tajri, a lecturer and head of the Department of Islamic Sociology, dives into the intersections of Shi'a Muslim identity and LGBTQ+ experiences. He shares personal stories reflecting the struggles of Shia Muslims reconciling faith and non-normative sexualities. The conversation highlights the importance of compassion, mental health, and the need for open dialogue within communities. Dr. Tajri advocates for greater awareness and pastoral care, addressing the nuances of identity and belonging in contemporary Islamic studies.

What does a rare Qurʾānic manuscript from the 1st century AH reveal about the early history of Islam?In this seminar, Dr Morteza Karimi-Nia, a leading scholar in Qurʾānic manuscript studies, presents his research on Codex Mashhad, a nearly complete Qurʾān written in ḥijāzī script and preserved in the Āstān-i Quds Library in Mashhad. Comprising 252 folios, this codex offers unique insights into the transmission, orthography, and arrangement of the Qurʾānic text during Islam’s formative period.Key themes include:🔍 The manuscript’s origin and movement from Medina to Khurāsān📜 It's orthographic anomalies and copyist features📖 Variations in the order of sūras and links to Ibn Masʿūd’s recension🌍 Regional readings and their implications for Qurʾānic standardisation

Is being depressed a sign of kufr? Is my anxiety due to sinning? In this episode of Thinking Islam, we explore how Islamic approaches towards mental health challenge traditional stigmas and modern psychological frameworks with Dr Zoheir Esmail. From examining the concepts of qalb, nafs, and ruh to investigating whether depression could indicate spiritual disconnection, this conversation unpacks the complex relationship between faith, Eurocentric reason, and mental wellness.We delve into the history of Islamic approaches towards mental wellness, their developments, from early medieval scholars to contemporary applications in modern therapeutic practice. The conversation tackles the stigma surrounding mental health in Muslim communities, examining fears around hellfire and spiritual disconnection, whilst investigating the fascinating realm of occult sciences, jinn, and evil eye, questioning whether these should be taken seriously as therapeutic tools or understood as sophisticated placebo mechanisms that nonetheless offer genuine healing benefits. Dr Esmail reveals how Islamic psychology creates mental health wellbeing through understanding the human self as naturally anxious by creation, whilst offering spiritually integrated therapy that addresses religiosity and faith to achieve holistic healing that secular approaches often overlook. Dr Zoheir Ali Esmail is a Lecturer in Islamic Mysticism and Head of the Department of Mysticism and Spirituality. After qualifying as a chartered accountant, he pursued full-time studies in the seminaries of Syria and Qum for 12 years, earning a doctorate focusing on the philosophy and mysticism of Mullā Ṣadrā from the University of Exeter. His research spans mysticism, spiritual psychology, transcendental philosophy, and Quranic exegesis, bringing academic rigour and traditional Islamic scholarship to contemporary discussions on mental health and spirituality.

In this thought-provoking seminar, Prof. Kristin Aune and Dr Hafza Iqbal from Coventry University present their research on interfaith learning in Christian and Muslim higher education colleges in the UK.The study, involving two Christian and two Muslim higher education institutions, examined how to foster positive college climates for interfaith engagement among students, staff, and faculty. Through a mixed-methods approach combining rich quantitative data and in-depth qualitative insights, the researchers identified key enablers and barriers to fostering religious and worldview diversity in academic settings.✅ Key topics covered:Creating inclusive environments in theological educationStudent and staff perspectives on interfaith engagementChallenges and opportunities in Muslim and Christian collegesActionable recommendations for religious institutions and belief-based organisations

How can hadith scholarship navigate modern challenges of authenticity while preserving its theological integrity? In this episode of Thinking Islam, we critically examine the journey of hadith from the Prophet to the present day with Dr Haidar Hobballah.From transmission methodologies to contemporary debates, this discussion unpacks the complexities of separating fact from fiction in a legacy spanning over 1,400 years. We discuss the science of hadith criticism, the shift from oral to written transmission, debates over canonical texts like Kutub al-Arbaʿa, the reliability of narrators, and the impact of theological bias and identity on the Shi'a tradition.Dr Haidar Hobballah brings decades of scholarly expertise, with advanced studies in hawza and a PhD in Comparative Religions and Christian Theology. As the author of more than two dozen books and numerous articles spanning jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, and hadith studies, Dr Hobballah has taught and supervised students at leading seminaries and universities, and served as editor-in-chief for several academic journals.

In this episode of Thinking Islam, we set out on a journey to explore the deeper mysteries of fasting and its connection to the month of Ramadhan with Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain. Beyond its physical form, fasting is a journey of spiritual refinement, mental discipline, and self-actualisation—but what does that truly mean in today's world? We discuss how fasting can free the mind, the spiritual benefits of the Laylatul Qadr nights, the challenges of moon sighting, and the evolution of the outward form of fasting and the realisation of its essence in the modern era.Shaykh Arif Abdul Hussain, founder and director of the Al-Mahdi Institute , is a Senior Lecturer in Legal Theory and Philosophy. A prolific author and speaker, he has extensively written and translated works on Islamic philosophy and legal theory, including the Islam and God-Centricity series and a translation of Durūs fī ʿilm al-uṣūl.

Dr Saeko Yazaki presents comparative research on the concept of the 'self' in Sufism and Zen Buddhism. The seminar, which drew scholars from multiple disciplines, examined striking parallels between these geographically and culturally distant traditions. Dr. Yazaki's presentation centered on a textual analysis of two foundational works: "The Revival of the Religious Sciences" by the Sufi scholar Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī (d. 1111) and "The Treasury of the True Dharma-Eye" by Zen master Dōgen (d. 1253). The seminar highlighted how both traditions, despite their separation, share important theoretical and practical concerns, particularly regarding lived experience and the transformation of the self. Dr. Yazaki explained that al-Ghazālī emphasises disciplining the self (nafs) to purify the heart for divine remembrance, while Dōgen stresses the importance of learning and ultimately forgetting the self (jiko) in Buddhist practice. While previous scholarship has compared these influential figures to Jewish and Christian theologians or European philosophers, Dr. Yazaki's innovative approach places them in direct conversation with each other for the first time. Her analysis revealed not only remarkable similarities but also fundamental differences at both doctrinal and practical levels. A key insight from the seminar was the importance of faith in both traditions, balancing the widely recognised philosophical sophistication of these texts with their spiritual foundations.

Join Professor Ingrid Mattson in this insightful Book Talk as she explores her book 'The Story of the Qur’an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life.' Prof. Mattson delves into the historical, theological, and cultural significance of the Qur’an, examining its revelation, transmission, and impact on Muslim societies. Written for both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences, the book provides a comprehensive introduction to the Qur’an, making it accessible to students, scholars, and general readers. Professor Mattson discusses the historical context of revelation, key themes of the Qur’an, its tradition of memorisation and transmission, its influence on Muslim culture, and the different approaches to Qur’anic interpretation. Whether you are a student of Islam or simply curious about the Qur’an’s role in shaping Muslim life, this book talk offers valuable insights.

In this thought-provoking seminar, Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain explores the meaning ofRabb (Lord) in the Qur’an and its connections to the Abrahamic scriptures. By examining key narratives involving Adam, Abraham, and Moses, he uncovers how the Qur’an and the Bible depict divine communication. The discussion delves into whetherRabb always refers to the ineffable God or if it sometimes denotes a distinct divine agency interacting with humanity.

Join Professor Eman Abdelhadi, an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago) as she delves into her book "Everything for Everyone: An Oral History of the New York Commune, 2052–2072," a visionary speculative fiction novel co-written with Emy O’Brien. This book reimagines a world beyond capitalism and the nation-state, where societies are built on collectivised labour, mutual aid, and self-sustaining communes. Through a series of fictional oral history interviews, the novel presents a transformative future where markets, money, and oppressive systems no longer dictate human relationships. The conversation explores the novel’s radical vision, addressing themes such as the collapse of capitalism, the role of climate change in global revolution, and the liberation of Palestine as a pivotal turning point in reshaping the world order. Structured as an oral history, 'Everything for Everyone..' chronicles the global revolution from 2052 to 2072, offering a compelling narrative that challenges the belief that capitalism is inevitable. Prof. Abdelhadi discusses the power of speculative fiction in inspiring radical imagination, urging us to envision a future where cooperation and shared abundance replace systems of exploitation. As the world grapples with crises of inequality and climate catastrophe, the book serves as a hopeful reminder that alternative futures are possible. Watch this engaging discussion to explore how literature can help us reclaim hope and reimagine a just and equitable world.