Dr. Ali Asani is Murray A. Albertson Professor of Middle Eastern Studies and Professor ofIndo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures at Harvard University. He has also served as theChair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and Director of the PrinceAlwaleed Islamic Studies Program. A specialist on Muslim traditions and communities in SouthAsia, Professor Asani's research focuses on Shia and Sufi devotional traditions in the region. Hehas been particularly active post-Sept 11 in improving the understanding of Islam and its role inMuslim societies by emphasizing the role of the arts aspedagogic bridges to foster a betterunderstandings of Islam and Muslim cultures globally.The author of many articles and severalbooks, he has been a recipient of awards foroutstanding teaching. In 2020 he was recognizedas Faculty of the Year by the Harvard Foundation and also appointed to the Board of Governorsof the Institute of Ismaili Studies.