Project Associate Mohammad Sagha writes on the Bektashi Shi'a community based in Michigan, USA for the Visions Blog. He explores debates on orthodoxy and heterodoxy within Islam and the need to examine the diversity and pluralism within modern Shi’ism which is often overlooked in larger debates of Islam and the Muslim world.

By Mohammad Sagha

... Read more about The Bektashi Shi’as of Michigan: Pluralism and Orthodoxy within Twelver Shi’ism

Arbaeen marks the 40th day following the tragedy of Karbala. For centuries the Shias have protested against the oppressions and discriminations against the Prophet's household during Arbaeen. Saddam Hussein banned the Arbaeen walk during his rule, but after his fall it was reintroduced in 2003. In recent years, more than 20 million pilgrims annually arrive in Karbala from around the world during Arbaeen. This narrative recounts a personal journey and experience to Karbala on one of these historic walks.

By Mohd Faizal Musa

... Read more about 1452 Poles to Karbala

We are excited to announce the launch of Visions, the online publication platform of the Project on Shi’ism and Global Affairs at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. Our publication brings into dialogue cutting-edge research and advanced commentary on all aspects of Shi’a thought, politics, and society from visions of political order and grand strategy to visions of peace and acceptance within pluralistic multi-faith communities and of revelation, angels, and cosmological authority. Given the growing importance of global Shi’a communities,...