Reimagining Narratives

in Islamic Thought through Research + Design

  • Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy

    Join us for a one-day immersive workshop on traditional Arabic calligraphy with visiting Spanish calligraphy artist, Pablo Casado.

    NOW SOLD OUT

  • 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

  • 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

  • Seminar: Transformative Emptiness

    Drawing on theological, philosophical, and literary perspectives, we will explore the diverse ways in which “emptiness” has been conceived and embodied within the Islamic tradition.

    Register Here

  • Gift Shop

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

    Enter Gift Shop

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

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?

Areas of Collaborative Work

  • Innovative Research

  • Intellectual & Artistic Exchange

  • Curated Experiences

  • Human-Centered Design

PILOT PROJECTS

  • Mapping Hyde Park

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

    Learn More

  • Islamic Arts Studio

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

    Learn More

  • Residency Programs

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

    Learn More

  • Translation Project

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

    Join the Team

  • SeldonTalks

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

    Watch Now

  • Seldon Forum

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

    Watch Now

  • Muslim Life on Campus

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

    Learn More

  • 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

  • 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