20 July، 2025
Religious Sects and Social Classes in India as Depicted in Zayn al-Akhbār by Gardizi and Al-Milal wa al-Nihal by Al-Shahrastani
Master’s Thesis Defense at the College of Education for Humanities on:
“Religious Sects and Social Classes in India as Depicted in Zayn al-Akhbār by Gardizi and Al-Milal wa al-Nihal by Al-Shahrastani”
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, the College of Education for Humanities at the University of Mosul held a master’s thesis defense titled “Religious Sects and Social Classes in India as Depicted in Zayn al-Akhbār by Gardizi and Al-Milal wa al-Nihal by Al-Shahrastani.”
The session was attended in part by the esteemed Dean of the College, Prof. Dr. Saad Ramadan Mohammed Al-Jubouri, along with several faculty members and graduate students from the college.
The thesis, presented by Saleh Rikad Mohammed Ali Al-Hadidi from the Department of History, explored several key themes, focusing on religious sects and communities whose beliefs diverge from Islamic orthodoxy. The study emphasized that early Muslim historians did not merely make passing references to such groups but undertook in-depth scholarly journeys. They engaged deeply with these societies, recognizing that cultural difference reflects the collective identity and traditions of others. Their works were grounded in empirical observations and logical analysis, resulting in authentic portrayals of these communities and their civilizational characteristics.
The thesis aimed to address several interconnected themes related to the cultural and civilizational interaction between the Islamic world and the Indian subcontinent. It sought to provide an interpretive reading of Islamic narratives on ancient Indian religious sects and social classes, drawing from diverse sources. These included classical Islamic texts—such as general historical works and sectarian treatises (Al-Milal wa al-Nihal)—as well as original Indian religious scriptures, supported by contemporary academic literature in the field of comparative religion.
The examination committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Sufyan Yassin Ibrahim (College of Education for Humanities / University of Mosul), and included:
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Sajid Abdul Mohammed (College of Education for Humanities / University of Mosul)
- Dr. Omar Sahlom Sadiq Saeed (College of Islamic Sciences / University of Mosul)
The thesis was supervised by and also included in the committee: - Asst. Prof. Dr. Azhar Hadi Fadel (College of Education for Humanities / University of Mosul)
