Questions

Why did you choose Birmingham?

I chose Birmingham because the most interesting part of my course at the University of Birmingham was the accessibility to a critical Islamic scholarship platform, especially one that is delivered from the foundations of traditional Imami Shi’i traditions and the seminarian landscape in conjunction with the evolving and modern critical academic approaches. It is also because coming from Ladakh in India, a region with a fusion of Middle Eastern, Himalayan, and Tibetan influences, and from a tribal background with limited financial resources, it was impossible for me to study in the UK, but the wide range of funding and scholarships by the University of Birmingham helped me a lot in taking the decision to study in the UK. I’ve received the Islam Scholarship which is available to MA Islamic Studies students.

How has your course deepened your understanding of theology and religion?

My course has taught me how to approach a faith by moving beyond the ritualistic practice to an academic exploration of Islamic studies. I have learnt the complexities of both classical and modern Islamic thought through in-depth debates and discussions, and the tensions and polemical nature of scholarship. The research skills and methodologies I have gained will be essential as I pursue further studies in Islamic legal theory.

What's your favourite module on your course so far?

My favourite module is Thematic Study of Shi’ism: History, Doctrines, and Religious Authority. For the first time, I’ve been able to study my own tradition (Shi’i Islam) in an academic context. I was always excited when I took this course, and I was eager to study the scholarship on the historiography of Shi’ism, theological doctrines, and philosophical theories. I aim to strengthen my understanding and critically explore the Shi’i legal theories and principles (usul al-fiqh), especially the rationalist hermeneutics of Usulis in Shi’i legal discourse.

What's your career goal and how is Birmingham helping you reach this?

My career goal is to become an Islamic scholar and continue learning about Islam and also contribute to modern Islamic scholarship, particularly in the area of legal discourse. Birmingham is helping me achieve this by offering me a curriculum that combines both independent learning and research-intensive modules. The resources here, such as access to vast academic databases and events on academic writing, along with expert guidance from tutors, are all instrumental in training my critical thinking and research skills. With such an environment and resources, achieving what I aim for is inevitable.

What do you think is unique about the University of Birmingham?

The University of Birmingham is unique for its beautiful campus, the humbling academic experience and environment of well-established and expert scholars and peers, and also the wide range of funding and scholarships by the University of Birmingham. The most interesting part for me at the University of Birmingham is the accessibility to a critical Islamic scholarship platform, especially one that is delivered from the foundations of traditional Imami Shi’i traditions in collaboration with the Al-Mahdi Institute. If I were to say if there is any established and dominant Shi’i seminary producing scholars in the West similar to the traditional seminaries (hawza), it is this university.