The ASI Research Centre for Islamic Studies, founded in 2026, is an independent research centre that aims to provide a space and context for faith-driven and faith-informed research in the Islamic sciences & Islamic studies in general. This is in order to support the continued growth and expansion of Islamic knowledge that already exists and to enable the contextualisation of that knowledge in the contemporary world. We seek an approach that is tolerant, rooted in Islamic morality, virtue and the facilitation of khayr. Under the guidance of Shaykh Akram Nadwi, our Founding Scholar & Director of Research, we intend to research, publish and disseminate the findings of our research projects for the benefit of scholars, academics and the wider Muslim and non-Muslim community. We also intend to provide advisory services for Muslims in need of Islamic legal advice (a fatwa) or other Islamic guidance from Shaykh Akram Nadwi and his senior students.
The ASI Research Centre is currently conducting various research projects, including the Akram Nadwi Research Project, the Fatwa Project, the Muhaddithat Project, a Tafsir of the Holy Qur’an and others.
The Akram Nadwi Research Project
The work of Shaykh Akram Nadwi consists of decades of teaching, research and scholarship. From books and monographs to articles, thought-pieces and fatawa, the scholarship of Shaykh Akram Nadwi is prolific and ongoing. However, these works are scattered across various platforms and mediums, making access difficult. The Akram Nadwi Research Project proposes the initial development of a coherent set of record(s), archive(s), platform(s) and dissemination processes for Shaykh Akram’s previous and current scholarship. One key platform is Shaykh Akram’s personal website (akramnadwi.com) documenting his key achievements and hosting a searchable archive of his short-form articles, writings, fatawa and Q&A responses. We also intend to initiate new research conducted by Shaykh Akram Nadwi. Finally, further research in to the scholarship of Shaykh Akram Nadwi by other researchers can be facilitated through the continuation of this project.
The project is led by senior students of Shaykh Akram and continues to grow with the support of volunteers and other key stakeholders.
Al-Salam Institute
Al-Salam Institute (ASI) was founded in Oxford in 2006 by Sumaiya Akram under the guidance of Shaykh Akram Nadwi. As a Centre for Arabic & Islamic Sciences, it was established with intention of providing both men and women access to structured classes in traditional Islamic studies, at that time under the sole tutelage of Shaykh Akram Nadwi. In 2012 the Institute graduated its first cohort, awarding the Shahadat al-Alimiyyah licence to successful candidates. By 2014, ASI had begun delivering residential programmes abroad, expanded in to London and launched online and onsite bespoke Islamic Scholarship Programmes (ISP’s), an umbrella term for a variety of its long-term programmes. These programmes offer sequential studies whilst providing multiple entry points for a diverse student body. As of 2026, ASI delivers online programmes in Arabic and the Islamic sciences through its Foundation Year (1 year), Arabic Immersion Programme (2 years), Quran Study Programme (3 years), Alimiyyah Programme (5 years), Ifta Programme (2 years), regular short courses and residential programmes, such as student retreats, the Sacred Sciences Journey, Arabic Summer School and other international heritage tours. ASI fosters a lively learning environment, with students from across the globe, and continues to provide access to studies in Arabic and traditional Islamic sciences with modern means of accessibility in a contemporary context.
Shaykh Akram currently serves as the Principal of Al-Salam Institute.