Course Overview
Course Title: Islamic Studies in English
Organizers: The International Institute for Islamic Studies (IIIS) & Risalat International Institute
Format: Advanced Online Introductory Course
Leadership: Dr. Mohammad Ali Shomali
Registration Deadline: November 6, 2025
Examination Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 14:00
Application Portal: https://eitaa.com/@OnlineIS
Institutional Profile and Course Objectives
The International Institute for Islamic Studies (IIIS), in strategic collaboration with the Risalat International Institute, presents an advanced online introductory course titled “Islamic Studies in English.” This program is specifically calibrated for seminary (Hawzah) and university students, with the primary objective of fostering a global understanding of Islamic thought and cultivating scholars capable of engaging in high-level international academic discourse. Under the leadership of Dr. Mohammad Ali Shomali, the IIIS has established a distinguished global reputation as a pioneer in the field of interfaith dialogue. The institute maintains profound, long-standing relations with the Vatican and Catholic communities, and a hallmark of its operational ethos is constructive engagement with the Focolare Movement, which has yielded numerous joint seminars and cultural exchanges. Through its “Risalat” branch, the institute effectively bridges the epistemic gap between traditional Islamic sciences and Western academic methodologies, rendering this course vital for scholars seeking to engage in international outreach and research.
Curriculum and Professional Trajectories
The course curriculum is structured around strategic academic axes designed to build comprehensive competence in English-language Islamic discourse. A primary focus is the Islamic Belief System, which rigorously addresses the fundamental doctrines of Shi’ism, including the Unity of God, Prophethood, and Imamate. Additionally, the program critically examines the field of “History of the Islamic Studies in the West,” exploring the historical evolution of Orientalism, while simultaneously providing practical training in the principles and methodologies of Inter- and Intra-Faith Dialogue. Beyond the academic content, the program offers significant professional trajectories for participants. Successful graduates will be issued a valid international certification and will be granted preferential consideration for participation in future propagation, cultural, and research initiatives, as well as priority admission into advanced international studies programs.
Registration, Prerequisites, and Assessment
Participation in this program is contingent upon meeting specific academic and linguistic criteria. Applicants must possess proficiency in advanced English conversation and have successfully completed Level 6 of Seminary studies or hold a B.A. degree, alongside a demonstrated commitment to future collaboration with the institute. The administrative timeline for the course stipulates that applications will be accepted until the registration deadline of November 6, 2025. Following the application review, an online written examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Prospective participants seeking further information or wishing to submit an application are directed to visit the official communication channel.
