The Islamic Studies and Research Association (ISRA) was founded by the grace of Allah, by Syed Zain al-Abedin in 1987, in the United States of America. Its members have worked informally through various, local, regional, and national organizations on several projects to enhance and spread Islamic knowledge. ISRA was revived in 1998 as an international organization through the work of many prominent Muslims from a variety of schools of thoughts and perspectives. Since its revival, ISRA has made remarkable progress in presenting Islam as a comprehensive deen based upon islam, iman, and ihsan (tasawwuf). Over a short period of time, the organization has come to enjoy many great successes and its appeal is steadily growing on an international level. The affairs of ISRA are guided by the concept of shura through a council named the Irshad Council. The Irshad Council consists of a working committee and a board of distinguished scholars and shaykhs who serve as Islamic advisors to the council.