(Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Cardiff University, UK)
Dr Muhammad Mansur Ali
Dr. Muhammad Mansur Ali is a distinguished scholar, academic, and imam with an exceptional educational and professional background that bridges the realms of traditional Islamic scholarship, Western academia, and practical Muslim chaplaincy. As a Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at Cardiff University, UK, he has established himself as a prominent figure in Islamic scholarship, particularly in the fields of Hadith studies, Islamic legal theory, and bioethics.
Educational Background: A Journey through Three Worlds
Dr. Mansur Ali’s educational journey is a testament to his intellectual versatility and commitment to Islamic scholarship. His early Islamic training began with the traditional Dars e Nizami curriculum in the UK at Darul Uloom Birmingham and Darul Uloom Bury, where he received an Advanced Certificate in Classical Islamic and Arabic Studies. This foundational training was further enriched by his studies at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, one of the oldest and most prestigious centers of Islamic learning, where he earned a BA in Islamic Theology.
In pursuit of higher education and academic rigor, Dr. Mansur Ali ventured into Western academia, where he pursued an MA in Middle Eastern Studies (Islamic) at the University of Manchester, under the supervision of Dr. Andreas Christmann. His thesis focused on the methodology of Western scholars in the study of Hadith literature, reflecting his deep interest in the intersection of traditional Islamic sciences and modern scholarly approaches.
He continued his academic pursuit at the University of Manchester, earning a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies. His doctoral research, titled “Al-Tirmidhi and the Role of the Isnad in His Sunan,” supervised by Dr. Ronald P. Buckley, was funded by the prestigious Manchester University ‘Graduate Teaching Fellowship Award'. This work solidified his reputation as a specialist in Hadith studies, particularly in understanding the pivotal role of the isnad (chain of narration) in Islamic tradition.
Academic Career: Bridging Traditional and Contemporary Islamic Scholarship
Dr. Mansur Ali’s teaching career reflects his ability to navigate both traditional Islamic seminaries and modern academic institutions. He has taught a wide range of subjects, from classical Islamic texts like Mishkat, Hidaya, Sharh al-Aqaid al-Nasafiyya, Nur al-Anwar, and Nuzhat al-Nazar, to contemporary courses on Islam and ethics at Cardiff University. His unique ability to teach traditional Islamic sciences in a contemporary academic context sets him apart as a scholar who is well-versed in both classical and modern approaches to Islamic knowledge.
Currently, he serves as the Director of Postgraduate Taught Studies at the School of History, Archaeology, and Religion (SHARE), Cardiff University. Throughout his career, he has supervised five doctoral students to completion and is currently supervising six PhD candidates, demonstrating his significant contributions to Islamic academia and research.
Research and Contributions: Focus on Hadith, Fiqh, and Bioethics
Dr. Mansur Ali’s research interests are broad and impactful. His primary areas of expertise include Hadith studies, Islamic legal theory (fiqh al-fataawa), bioethics, and Muslim chaplaincy. His current research focuses on the ethical and theological implications of organ transplantation in Islam, an issue of increasing importance in the modern medical and ethical landscape.
In addition to his academic research, Dr. Mansur Ali has held several important roles in the Muslim community and Islamic institutions. He is a Council member of the British Board of Scholars and Imams (BBSI), a member of the British Association of Islamic Studies (BRAIS), and sits on the advisory board of Cambridge Muslim College. His leadership and advisory roles extend to his work as a khatib (sermon deliverer) at Dar ul Isra Mosque in Cardiff, where he continues to engage with the Muslim community on a grassroots level.
Professional Recognition and Fellowships
Dr. Mansur Ali’s contributions to Islamic studies have been recognized through various honors and fellowships. He is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), a prestigious recognition of his teaching excellence in the UK. In 2015, he was awarded the British Imams and Scholars Contribution Award (BISCA) for his outstanding contributions to teaching and research in Islamic studies. He is also an active member of academic communities such as the Sociology of Religion workgroup (SOCREL) and the Muslims in Britain Research Network (MBRN).
Muslim Chaplaincy and Community Involvement
Dr. Mansur Ali’s academic career is complemented by his hands-on experience in Muslim chaplaincy. He served as a chaplain at Ashworth High Security Hospital in Liverpool, where he provided pastoral care and spiritual guidance to Muslim patients. His work in chaplaincy reflects his deep commitment to supporting the Muslim community both within and outside of academic settings.
