Exploring Shīʿī mystical traditions and their modern relevance
As one of Al-Mahdi Institute’s six specialist research areas, Mysticism and Spirituality delves into Islamic mystical traditions and spiritual psychology, with special attention to Shīʿī contributions. We address contemporary concerns such as mental health and personal growth by drawing on classical sources of spiritual wisdom. Led by our Research Lead, we host a biannual conference, research seminars, book reviews, and fellowships. Our work brings historical insights on spirituality into conversation with the needs and challenges of modern life.
Our biannual conference provides a platform for scholars to engage with Islamic mystical traditions and spiritual psychology. These gatherings explore how classical sources of wisdom can address modern challenges such as mental health and personal growth.
Through podcasts and book talks, we share research on Islamic mysticism with wider audiences. These productions highlight how spiritual insights from the tradition can enrich contemporary life.
Our seminars invite leading academics to present cutting-edge work on Sufi and Shīʿī mystical thought, spiritual practice, and psychology. These sessions encourage dialogue on how historical understandings of the soul remain relevant today.
Proceedings from our conferences and seminars are published in edited collections, preserving scholarship that connects Islamic mystical traditions with the lived realities of the modern world.
Zoheir Esmail, PhD (2016), University of Exeter, is a Lecturer in Islamic Studies at Al-Mahdi Institute. Formerly a chartered accountant, he went on to study full-time in the seminaries of Syria and Qom for 12 years. His doctoral research, Between Philosophy and ʿIrfān: Interpreting Mullā Ṣadrā from the Qajars to Post-Revolutionary Iran, explored the reception of Sadrian thought. Since returning to the UK in 2020, he has taught graduate and postgraduate courses on philosophy, logic, human rights, and contemporary Muslim thought. His research interests include mysticism, spiritual psychology, transcendental philosophy, Qur’anic exegesis, hadith, and early Islamic history.
We welcome collaborations in advancing the field of Mysticism and Spirituality. Whether through submitting papers, participating in events, accessing our resources, or proposing joint projects, join us in fostering thoughtful scholarship.
