Al-Mahdi Institute

The Al-Mahdi Institute (AMI) assimilates traditional Twelver seminary scholarship with modern approaches to the study of Islam. The Director of AMI is Shaykh Arif Abdul Hussain.

Study Programmes

Open to all globally, the Institute offers the online Hawza Programme, which provides traditional seminary (hawza) education with a critical, academic perspective. Students facing financial difficulties can contact the Institute for guidance and support on fees. Upon completion of the programme, students can progress onto the MA in Islamic Studies - taught in collaboration with the University of Birmingham. The Institute awards three MA scholarships to graduates from the Hawza Programme, which covers fees and living costs.

The AMI also provides 3-month or 6-month non-stipendiary visiting research fellowships. The fellowships offer single room accommodation for the duration of the stay, and full access to AMI research facilities and library collection.

The Institute also hosts an annual Graduate Symposium focused on platforming MA Level students.

Open Access Resources and Events

The Institute hosts 6 research related workshops throughout the year, on topics such as Quran and Hadith, and inter-religious dialogue. This Public Lecture Series is held once a month during term time, on Thursday afternoons at 3pm. Lectures are usually held in person and can be found advertised on AMI's website and social media platforms.The institute also has an annual Muharram programme, 10 Nights of Talks, as well as 5 nights of talks for Safar.

AMI host their Big Iftar annually, open to the public - this is usually held on the last Friday of the month, and is advertised on AMI's social media platforms. Friday prayers are held weekly and are open to all.

The AMI Library is specialised in Islamic studies and Shia studies. The public can access the library for a £20 membership fee.