Al-Mahdi Institute : Education & Research

AMI Research invites applications for the AMI Ahl al-Bayt Visiting Fellowship. The Fellowship aims to facilitate scholarship directly addressing how the sayings, teachings and insights of the Prophet of Islam and his Impeccable Household can be employed to address issues of contemporary concern. The fellowship is specifically geared towards applicants seeking to directly engage with the study and contextualisation of primary source material (Qur’an and ahadith) in light of the practical challenges of the 21^st century.

The Fellowship has been made available through the funds of the late Marhum Akberali Panjwani, and welcomes applicants wishing to utilise methods and methodologies of their choice - both orthodox and unorthodox - to encourage creativity within Shi’i scholarship of the primary source materials. Construction of new intellectual frameworks to solve current problems and research which bridges the gap between academia and grassroots concerns is particularly encouraged.

Although the Fellowship is for applicants interested in conducting research on Shi’i sources, proposals do not need to exclusively focus upon Shi’i communities but may address issues faced by communities in general. Applicants will be expected to produce a publication within the duration of the Fellowship as an integral part of the dissemination of the ideas developed during the fellowship. The period of research will culminate with the presentation of their work as a public lecture or research seminar, as appropriate to the work in question. Fellows will be expected to take full part in AMI Education and Research activities during their stay.

Successful applicants will be in receipt of:

• Full access to AMI library and research facilities
• On campus accommodation during the tenure of their fellowship
• A further stipend of £250 per calendar month for the duration of their stay

Duration of the fellowship

• Normally three months; proposals for stays of up to six months will be considered based on the strength of application

Applications should include:

• Up-to-date CV.
• Research proposal of no more than 1,000 words.
• A sample piece of academic written work (thesis chapter or published article)
• One-page statement concerning how visiting Al-Mahdi Institute will benefit both the Institute and the applicant.
• Completed application form which includes proposed dates of residence at the Al-Mahdi Institute
• Two academic references (they should be sent by the referees themselves). 

Application should be submitted online here or by post to:

AMI Ahl al-Bayt Visiting Fellowship

Research & Outreach Coordinator

Al-Mahdi Institute

Weoley Park Road

Selly Oak

Birmingham

B29 6RB

Deadlines:

The completed application should be sent to the AMI Education & Research Secretary minimum three months prior to the intended stay.

Further enquiries:

For any other enquiries or application form, please contact AMI Education & Research Secretary on 0121 446 5047 (Ext 2)