Aligarh Muslim University’s Departments of Shia Theology and Islamic Studies are exploring academic and research ties with Al-Mustafa International University in Iran. Professor Ayatollah Syed Kamal Hussaini of the Iranian university held separate interactions with teachers and students of both departments, AMU’s Public Relations Office said on 13 November 2026.
For students of Theology and Islamic Studies, the possible outcome is exchange opportunities and short-term courses run jointly with the Iranian university, though nothing has been signed yet.
At the Department of Shia Theology
Professor Hussaini met faculty members and students and discussed ways to strengthen academic and research links. He said he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities to explore collaboration for teachers and students of Theology and Islamic Studies.
Also readShraman Scholarship 2026-27 for AMU MBBS and B.Tech Students: Up to Rs 70,000 a Year, Apply by 15 December
Dr Asghar Ejaz, Chairman of the Department, welcomed the guest and said he hoped the meeting would lead to lasting academic cooperation.
At the Department of Islamic Studies
The second interaction took place at the Professor N. Akmal Ayyubi Conference Hall. Department Chairman Professor Adam Malik Khan welcomed the guest and proposed short-term academic and research courses in collaboration with Al-Mustafa International University. Dr Ahmed Majlisi introduced the guest and spoke about the Iranian university’s work.
Speaking to students, Professor Hussaini stressed reading, research and academic integrity. He advised research scholars to read widely, use scholarly sources in different languages, and said that understanding any civilisation needs a deep study of its language, history, literature, religion and intellectual traditions.
A look at the department library
The guest also visited the departmental library of Islamic Studies. Librarian Anis Ahmad told him the library holds about 80,000 books and journals on Islamic Studies, Quranic Studies, Hadith, Seerah, Islamic History and related subjects in several languages.
Prof. Ali Muhammad Naqvi, former Dean of the Faculty of Theology and former Director of the Sir Syed Academy, accompanied the guest. Prof. Ziauddin conducted the programme at Islamic Studies and former Chairman Prof. Abdul Hameed Fazili gave the vote of thanks.
Read the official AMU release.
Also read: AMU hosts Indo-Uzbek traditional medicine symposium.
Frequently asked questions
Which Iranian university is AMU talking to?
The Departments of Shia Theology and Islamic Studies held talks with Al-Mustafa International University, Iran, through its Professor Ayatollah Syed Kamal Hussaini.
Has AMU signed an MoU with Al-Mustafa International University?
No. The departments are exploring collaboration. The visiting professor said he would take the proposal to the concerned authorities.
What collaboration has been proposed?
Islamic Studies Chairman Prof. Adam Malik Khan proposed joint short-term academic and research courses, and the Shia Theology department discussed exchange for teachers and students.
How big is the Islamic Studies department library?
It has about 80,000 books and journals on Islamic Studies, Quranic Studies, Hadith, Seerah and Islamic History in several languages.
