God, the universe, and us: on classical Islamic theology in the modern day
Aga Khan Centre, London, N1C 4DN
Monday 9th November 2026 5:00PM
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) invites you to an in-person conversation at the Aga Khan Centre, London. The event is part of the IIS Islamic History and Thought Lecture Series (IHTLS).
Why are we here? Where are we going? Does God exist? Does God love us? If so, why is there suffering? Medieval Islamic theologians grappled with these questions. They offered creative and nuanced answers, often disagreeing with one another, that spoke to the universal human desire to understand our place in the cosmos.
In this discussion, Dr Wafi Momin will speak with Professor Rumee Ahmed about his new book, Theology in Thirty-Six Dialogues (and Sixty Lessons). The book is the first English translation of Kitāb Uṣūl al-Dīn, an 11th-century theological treatise by the Hanafi scholar Abū Yusr al-Pazdawī. They will also discuss how the classical Islamic tradition can inform our conversations about God and the universe today.
Speaker
Professor Rumee Ahmed is the Canada Research Chair in Theology and Ethics and Professor of Islamic Law at the University of British Columbia.
Discussant
Dr Wafi Momin is Head of the Ismaili Special Collections Unit at The Institute of Ismaili Studies.
Why are we here? Where are we going? Does God exist? Does God love us? If so, why is there suffering? Medieval Islamic theologians grappled with these questions. They offered creative and nuanced answers, often disagreeing with one another, that spoke to the universal human desire to understand our place in the cosmos.
In this discussion, Dr Wafi Momin will speak with Professor Rumee Ahmed about his new book, Theology in Thirty-Six Dialogues (and Sixty Lessons). The book is the first English translation of Kitāb Uṣūl al-Dīn, an 11th-century theological treatise by the Hanafi scholar Abū Yusr al-Pazdawī. They will also discuss how the classical Islamic tradition can inform our conversations about God and the universe today.
Speaker
Professor Rumee Ahmed is the Canada Research Chair in Theology and Ethics and Professor of Islamic Law at the University of British Columbia.
Discussant
Dr Wafi Momin is Head of the Ismaili Special Collections Unit at The Institute of Ismaili Studies.
Event Details
Starts at 5:00PM
