08/13/2026
Dr. Sayyid Jalal Hosseini Badakhshani, a renowned scholar of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London, passed away on the morning of August 11, 2026, in London at the age of 85.
He was the greatest expert on Persian Ismaili literature of the Alamut era. It was because of his hard work that the writings of the Ismaili preacher Nasir al-Din Tusi could be understood by today's readers.
Dr. Badakhshani belonged to a family that had served the Ismaili Imamate for generations. He received a degree in Islamic philosophy from Mashhad University and later completed his doctorate from Oxford. In 1977, on the orders of Imam Shah Karim, he was called to London to establish the IIS library, which has now taken the form of the "Aga Khan Library".
Badakhshani's most important works include "Paradise of Submission", "Contemplation and Action" and "Shiʿi Interpretations of Islam". His greatest discovery was the poetry collection of Hasan Mahmud Katib, "Diwan-e-Qa'imit", published in 2011.
Dr. Badakhshani taught Ismaili philosophy at IIS and in the community for decades. He carried knowledge and service together. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren.
Every scholar working on Ismaili literature will be indebted to Dr. Badakhshani's scholarly contributions.
The Ismaili Muslims