Reimagining Narratives

in Islamic Thought through Research + Design

  • Calligraphic Journeys: From North Africa to East Asia

    This workshop is part of the Journey Chicago program in collaboration with the Chicago Cultural Alliance and the Heritage Museum of Asian Art.

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  • CalligraVie 3 Chicago

    International program and collaborative exhibit featuring Master Calligrapher, Bahman Panahi, and the de facto CalligraVie School in Paris.

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  • The Art of Devotion

    This seminar draws on various genres—supplication, invocation, whispered prayer, and amuletic formulas. Each session opens space for historical context alongside creative practice.

    COMING SOON

  • Standing Up when the World is Falling Down: Facing Crises with Integrity

    Guest Speaker: Dr. H.A. Hellyer, a prolific voice on contemporary crises in both media and policy circles. Dinner reception to follow. October 4th, 4PM-6PM.

    RSVP HERE

  • Contemplative Garden Project

    What might a contemplative garden look like? Which design elements would you include? What kind of activities and programs can be facilitated in the garden to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our world?

    SHARE YOUR VISION

  • Gift Shop

    We bring you a variety of historical reproductions and original designs inspired by Islamic philosophy and Muslim culture.

    SHOP HERE

  • SeldonTalks: Episode 3 - Now Live

    Featuring Tahera Qutbuddin, AlBabtain Laudian Professor of Arabic at the University of Oxford and Professor Emerita of Arabic Literature at the University of Chicago.

    WATCH NOW

A collaborative space for research, knowledge exchange, and innovative program design to explore a more relevant and nuanced understanding of Islam.

Areas of Collaborative Work

  • Innovative Research

  • Intellectual & Artistic Exchange

  • Curated Experiences

  • Human-Centered Design

PILOT PROJECTS

  • Translation Project

    Rethinking the Arabic-English translation of key Quranic terms and concepts for a more nuanced understanding

    Join the Team

  • Islamic Art Studio

    Our studio explores Islamic and Muslim perspectives through exhibits, courses, and immersive experiences

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  • SeldonTalks

    Interviews highlighting the personal stories behind the work of authors, scholars, activists, and artists

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  • Seldon Forum

    A platform for experts to discuss how we communicate about Islam and its impact on understanding

    Watch Now

  • Residency Programs

    Chicago residency programs for scholars, creatives, and entrepreneurs engaged in Islamic research & the arts

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  • Mapping Hyde Park

    A collaborative program building authentic community through educational, cultural, and religious institutions

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  • Muslim Life on Campus

    Reimagining spaces and programs that meet the authentic needs of Muslims on campus

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  • Leadership Program

    A series of workshops designed to engage college and high school students in practical leadership skills

    High School Forum

  • Contemplative Garden

    Garden design and experiences that invite introspection through the Islamic tradition

    Share your Ideas

Our research examines historical and existing narratives in Islamic thought to understand…

What they are? How they developed? Which evidence supports them? And what they do for shaping identity, promoting understanding, and impacting experience?

  • Submit a Proposal

    If you are interested in engaging a new idea or initiative in collaboration with Seldon Institute, submit your proposal here.

Hyde Park, Chicago, IL

Planned New Location

adjacent to the University of Chicago campus