Institute for the Study of Islamic Thought in Africa

We facilitate scholarship on the Islamic tradition of learning in Africa and promote awareness of the role of Islam in African societies.

Islam in Africa Book Award Launches in 2026

ISITA and the Islam in Africa Study Group are co-sponsoring an award for the best book in the field of Islam in Africa, to be presented annually at the African Studies Association Annual Meeting.

Zachary Wright named next director of ISITA

Northwestern's Office for Research has appointed Zachary Wright, professor in residence and associate dean for faculty affairs at Northwestern University in Qatar, as ISITA's next director.

Maktaba project introduced at ASA roundtable

Workshop emphasizes multi-disciplinary approach to manuscript studies

Upcoming Events

Apr

2026

ISITA | The Social Life of Soyayya: Romance Literature and Gendered Islamic Ethics between Hausa-Speaking Worlds - Yaa Nkrumah

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM, 620 Library Place

Join the Institute for the Study of Islamic Thought in Africa (ISITA) for a presentation by Yaa Nkrumah (doctoral studen...

Explore Publications

Arabic Literature of Africa Series are regional overviews of the major authors writing in Arabic in sub-Saharan Africa.
Publications resulting from ISITA initiatives includes books, articles, and papers that are the product of ISITA conferences or initiatives.

INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF ISLAMIC THOUGHT IN AFRICA