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.

Learn about ISITA'S Initiatives.

Timbuktu Talks

Newly launched series! Beginning in September 2026, ISITA and UIUC will jointly organize "Timbuktu Talks," a monthly lecture series featuring new books and research on Islam in Africa.

Islam in Africa Book Award

ISITA and the Islam in Africa Study Group co-sponsor an annual award for the best book in the field of Islam in Africa, to be presented annually at the African Studies Association Annual Meeting. The next award cycle opens in January 2027.

Maktaba: Arabic Manuscripts from West Africa in English Translation

Explore a selection of translated and contextualized West African Arabic manuscripts from the libraries of Northwestern University and the Univesity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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