Muhammed Reza Tajri, PhD (2023), Lancaster University, is a lecturer in Arabic and is a Research Lead for Societies and Cultures. In addition to a background in traditional Islamic studies, Dr Tajri’s academic focus lies in sociological approaches to researching Muslim communities.

Dr Tajri began his seminary studies at the Ḥawza ʿIlmiyya of London and went on to complete a BA in Islamic Studies at The Islamic College and Middlesex University. He then moved to Damascus to study at the Ḥawza al-Imām al-Khumaynī with advanced Arabic studies at the University of Damascus. Upon returning to the UK, he completed an MA in Islamic Studies at The Islamic College and Middlesex University and a second MA in Islam in Contemporary Britain at Cardiff University. His PhD thesis explored the evolving perceptions of Shīʿī religious authority on British university campuses. His research interests revolve around Muslims in the UK and Europe, contemporary Shīʿism and Shīʿī identity, religious authority, and the impact of gender on religion.