Kazimi Lecture in Shi’i Studies

Nebil Husayn, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Miami

Islam’s fourth caliph, Ali, can be considered one of the most revered figures in Islamic history. His nearly universal portrayal in Muslim literature as a pious authority obscures the views of his opponents who considered him an illegitimate ruler and obfuscates a centurieslong process that entailed the rehabilitation of his character. In his book, "Opposing the Imam", Nebil Husayn, associate professor of Religious Studies, University of Miami, considers the ways in which early Muslims remembered Ali and contextualizes the rise of both Sunnism and Shi’ism. This presentation discusses key findings from this recent publication.

This lecture is made possible through a generous gift from the children of Syed Safdar and Samina Kazimi.