معرفی
Shafique N. Virani is an Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Arts and Science. He has previously served on the faculties of Harvard University, Zayed University, and the University of Toronto in senior leadership roles, including founding director of the Centre for South Asian Civilizations. His research spans Islamic history, Shi'ism, Quranic studies, and Muslim literatures across Arabic, Persian, and South Asian languages, with particular emphasis on Ismaili and Ithna-'ashari Shi'ism, Bhakti traditions, and esoteric doctrines. He has received over $6 million in grants and awards from global institutions.
- PhD, Harvard University
- MA, McGill University
- BA (Joint Honors with Excellence), McGill University
Virani's research explores the survival of Ismaili communities through persecution, the role of taqiyyah (dissimulation), the interplay between Islamic philosophy and Sufism, and the development of devotional literature in South Asia. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary applications, examining how religious minorities maintain identity while navigating hostile environments. The recovery of lost manuscripts and the evolution of poetic forms like the mathnawi are recurring themes in his scholarship.
His recent publications (2020-2023) focus on Nizari Ismaili self-perception post-Mongol invasions, Persian manuscript cultures, and comparative studies between Ismaili and mainstream Islamic thought. Earlier works (2003-2015) laid foundational groundwork on Isma'ili cosmology and pedagogical traditions.
Award highlights include:
- OCUFA Teaching Award
- American Academy of Religion's highest pedagogical honor
- United Nations recognition for knowledge advancement
- Farabi International Award
- Foundation for Iranian Studies accolades
Virani leads the "Virani Dream Team," Canada's largest humanities research group focused on integrating teaching and research to address global challenges. He has consulted for UNESCO, Cirque du Soleil, and Google, and appeared in Hollywood's Downsizing as an academic authority.
