Who We Are
Welcome to the Chicago Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought (CICIT). The CICIT is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of Islamic principles in the modern world. Our mission is to foster intellectual discourse, promote scholarly research, and provide educational resources that bridge classical Islamic teachings with contemporary challenges and opportunities.
What We Do
Our Mission
To facilitate the application and reformation of Islamic thought to enable the Muslim community (Ummah) to address contemporary challenges effectively.
Our Activities
Research and Scholarship — rigorous academic engagement with Islamic thought, focusing on both its historical depth and contemporary relevance.
Education and Outreach — making Islamic knowledge accessible to a wide audience, from scholars and students to the general public.
Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue — fostering mutual understanding and respect between Islamic traditions and other faith or secular communities.
Applied Ethics and Social Impact — translating Islamic principles into practical responses for today’s pressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
Preservation and Innovation — safeguarding the heritage of Islamic knowledge while encouraging fresh interpretations that meet the needs of the modern world.
Book Talks — CICIT hosts many book talks including reading in classical and modern Islamic texts.
Our Team
CICIT was founded by Dr. Muhammad Eissa. Associates include Dr. Wael Azmeh, Dr. Osama Elshafie, Dr. Qais Mekki, Ronnie Malley, and Margie Eissa.