Advanced Philosophical Theology
The Classical Institute is honoured to introduce a new programme with one of the most authentic and distinguished scholars of our era, Professor Shaykh Hasan al-Shafi’i. This monthly class offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a world-renowned scholar whose life and legacy embody the very ethos of knowledge, scholarship, and human flourishing. It provides access to the highest levels of classical Islamic theology (ʿIlm al-Kalam), taught exclusively in Classical Arabic, preserving the depth, clarity, and nuance of the original tradition. This offering reflects the ethos of The Classical Institute: a commitment to scholarship that is rigorous, enduring, and in deep conversation with the classical tradition.
This advanced class will be based on Tahdhib al-Kalam by Saʿd al-Din al-Taftazani, a seminal classical text in Islamic philosophy and theology recognised as one of the most significant works in the theological corpus. Regarded as a cornerstone in the development of Islamic theological discourse, this text has shaped the thinking of generations of scholars and continues to be studied in leading centres of Islamic learning, including Al-Azhar. Through guided reading and explanation by Shaykh Hasan al-Shafi’i, students will engage directly with its arguments, structure, and conceptual foundations.
About the Lecturer
Professor Shaykh Hasan al-Shafi’i is a leading authority in Islamic Theology and Philosophy, with a distinguished career spanning over six decades.
He serves as:
A member of Al-Azhar’s Senior Scholars Authority
Chairman of the Union of Arab Linguistic and Scientific Academies
Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Cairo
Recipient of the King Faisal Prize for Islamic Studies (2022)
As a living teacher of Al-Azhar, his teaching embodies the highest standards of classical scholarship and intellectual refinement.
Outcomes
Mastery of Classical Theology
Deepen your understanding of advanced theological concepts within the Islamic tradition.
Engagement with Primary Arabic Texts
Build the ability to follow and engage with high-level Arabic discourse on theology.
Exposure to Contemporary Classical Scholarship
Benefit directly from the scholarship and methodology of a world-renowned authority.
Intellectual and Spiritual Refinement
Cultivate both intellectual precision and moral clarity through immersive learning.
Tuition Fees
The programme is offered on a no-fee basis as part of The Classical Institute’s commitment to widening access to serious academic study, alongside the Institute’s fee-based academic provision.
Registration and Enrolment
Applications are submitted through Teleia, The Classical Institute’s proprietary Virtual Learning Platform, developed specifically to support the Institute’s educational environment and programme delivery. Applicants will normally receive an admissions update within 14 days of submission.
New to the Application Process?
Please see our How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide for full guidance on submitting an application.
Already on Teleia?
Apply directly to this programme.
Programme Information
Lecturer: Professor Shaykh Hasan al-Shafi‘i
Department: Philosophy & Theology
Format: Fortnightly
Delivery: Online via Zoom
Day: Saturdays
Time: 7.00pm-8.30pm (UK time)
Next Lecture: 31 October 2026