ARK Initiative Presents
The Seerah Symposium
A Formal Symposium on the Seerah
Leadership • Compassion • Living Together
Marking the Birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- Date
- August 29, 2026
- Venue
- [Venue Name], [City]
- Admission
- [Free / Invitation / Registration Required]
A symposium of purpose
A formal symposium of scholarship, lectures and moderated dialogue examining how the life and example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ speaks to some of the most urgent questions facing society today.
- Leadership.
- Compassion.
- Human dignity.
- Pluralism.
- Living together across difference.
A life examined for the questions of our time
The Seerah — the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — is not only a subject of devotion. It is a record of leadership under pressure, of covenant between communities, and of mercy exercised where power made cruelty easy. We return to it because these are the questions our societies are still asking.
Mercy
Justice
Leadership
Dignity
Compassion
Community
Two scholars, two questions
Featured Speaker
Dr. Hassan Abbas
Distinguished Professor of International Relations
Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies · NESA Center · Washington, D.C.
Talk
The Constitution of Madinah: Its Relevance for Our World Today
Dr. Hassan Abbas explores Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a civic and community leader through the Constitution of Madinah, asking what this historic framework can teach contemporary societies about leadership, pluralism and shared civic responsibility.
Discussion Themes
- Leadership based on trust, consultation and responsibility
- Rights and responsibilities of different religious communities
- Maintaining distinct identities within a shared civic framework
- Conflict resolution
- Collective security
- Lessons for plural societies such as the United States
“How can people of different faiths and identities live together while maintaining both conviction and mutual responsibility?”
Featured Speaker
Dr. Payam Mohseni
Director
Project on Shi'ism and Global Affairs · Harvard Divinity School
Talk
The Compassionate Prophet: Lessons for Humanity Today
Dr. Payam Mohseni explores compassion as a defining dimension of the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and considers what Prophetic compassion might mean for contemporary public, civic and community life.
Discussion Themes
- Compassion toward the vulnerable and marginalised
- Forgiveness and restraint in moments of power
- The dignity of those outside one's own community
- Compassion combined with justice
- Empathy as an antidote to division and dehumanisation
“What would Prophetic compassion look like in our public and community life today?”
Fireside Chat
From Seerah to Society
Strengthening Interfaith Understanding in America
Both speakers join an open conversation on the honest, difficult work of living together — naming prejudice wherever it appears, and building relationships that outlast a single symposium.
- Islamophobia
- Antisemitism
- Prejudice against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and other faith communities
- Protecting the dignity and rights of people outside one's own faith
- Disagreement without dehumanisation
- Moving from tolerance to genuine relationships
- Developing a shared civic ethic across religious communities
Dialogue is not endorsement.
Sitting with someone does not mean agreeing with them. It means taking them seriously enough to listen.
Diplomacy is not surrender.
Conviction and courtesy belong together. We hold our positions clearly and our relationships carefully.
The symposium, hour by hour
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Registration & Welcome
Guests arrive, register and are seated.
5:30 PM – 5:37 PM
Opening
Welcome and opening reflections.
5:37 PM – 5:45 PM
Introduction to ARK Initiative
Dialogue • Diplomacy • Dignity
5:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Dr. Hassan Abbas
The Constitution of Madinah: Its Relevance for Our World Today
6:15 PM – 6:30 PM
Q&A
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Dr. Payam Mohseni
The Compassionate Prophet: Lessons for Humanity Today
7:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Q&A
7:15 PM – 7:40 PM
Fireside Chat
From Seerah to Society: Strengthening Interfaith Understanding in America
Maghrib at 7:40 PM
7:40 PM
Maghrib Prayer
After Maghrib
Closing Remarks
A brief scholarly conclusion to the day's proceedings.
8:00 PM
Dinner
Served for all registered participants and guests.
After Dinner
Multicultural Celebrations — Mawlid Celebration
A multicultural programme marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, with poetry, nasheed and traditions from across communities.
Learn. Reflect. Connect.
Learn
Encounter serious scholarship on the Seerah and its contemporary relevance.
Reflect
Consider what Prophetic leadership and compassion demand of us today.
Connect
Meet scholars, faith leaders, civic leaders and neighbours committed to building a healthier plural society.
Registration
Apply to attend
Seating is limited. Preference will be given to young scholars and academics. Apply below and we will confirm your place by email.
- Date
- August 29, 2026
- Venue
- [Venue Name], [City]
- Admission
- [Free / Invitation / Registration Required]