The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is now accepting applications for the prestigious Zahid Ali Fellowship, a unique academic opportunity designed to support internationally recognized scholars working in Classical Arabic Literature, particularly those whose research contributes to the advancement of Ismaili Studies.
About the Zahid Ali Fellowship
Established in 1997 by the IIS in memory of Professor Zahid Ali (1888–1958)—a trailblazing Bohra Ismaili scholar from India and one of the earliest modern academics to systematically study Ismaili doctrines using primary sources—this fellowship honors his legacy. His historic works, published in Urdu in the late 1940s and 1950s, and his inherited manuscript collection remain foundational to Ismaili scholarship today.
This fellowship is awarded once every five years and supports the publication of original, high-caliber academic research.
Funding Plan of Zahid Ali Fellowship
The Zahid Ali Fellowship provides a one-time grant of £5,000 to support the publication of high-quality academic research that contributes to the field of Ismaili Studies, specifically within the broader domain of Classical Arabic Literature.
This funding is intended to assist scholars in bringing their research to publication, ensuring that critical insights into Ismaili history, thought, and textual traditions reach wider scholarly audiences. As a highly selective and prestigious award, the fellowship is reserved for internationally recognized scholars and offers both financial support and academic recognition to those making significant contributions to the field.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to internationally recognized scholars in the field of Classical Arabic Literature
- Applicants must propose research that directly contributes to the field of Ismaili Studies
- Scholars should ideally have a track record of publications in relevant academic fields.
Programs/Fields Supported
- Classical Arabic Literature
- Islamic Intellectual History
- Ismaili Studies
- Arabic Manuscript Studies
- Theology, Philosophy, and Religious Thought in Classical Islam
Apply: https://www.iis.ac.uk/news/2025/june/zahid-ali-fellowship-2025/
The last date to apply for the Zahid Ali Fellowship offered by The Institute of Ismaili Studies is [Insert Final Deadline Date if Available]. If the deadline is not publicly stated, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible, as this is a competitive fellowship with a five (5) years cycle.
