The Fourth International Conference on the Prophetic Sīrah

Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization (CMCC) is organizing The Fourth International Conference on the Prophetic Sīrah: “The Prophetic Sīrah in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

The Sīrah of Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH) holds a unique place in the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Islam. It is not merely a history or archive, but a living tradition that demands creative engagement with the intellectual tools and cultural idioms of its time.

We stand today at a moment of both challenge and opportunity. The present generation - largely shaped by artificial intelligence, immersive media and digital experiences - risks becoming the first generation to use the digital world as the primary gateway to knowledge. Without a meaning bridge, they may find themselves estranged from the Sīrah.

At the same time, the digital revolution offers numerous tools of three-dimensional reconstruction, virtual reality, digital humanities methodologies and immersive storytelling, which, if guided by rigorous scholarship and ethical sensitivity, can render the Sīrah more accessible, vivid and potentially more transformative than at any prior moment in history.

Building on the pioneering work of the Digital Sīrah Initiative, launched in 2017 under the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and developed in close collaboration between CIS-HBKU and Qatar National Library, this conference will bring together scholars, technologists and educators to think collectively about the future of Sīrah engagement in the digital age.

The conference will be held in English and Arabic with live interpretation for both languages.
 

Conference Chair’s Message

We are honored to organize the Fourth International Conference on the Prophetic Sīrah in partnership with the Digital Sirah Initiative. This conference addresses one of the most pressing questions of our time: How can we faithfully represent and meaningfully engage with the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the age of artificial intelligence and digital experiences?

The conference aims to create a comprehensive framework for scholarly dialogue. We are focused on building a shared knowledge infrastructure for the Prophetic Sīrah, developing ethical frameworks for its digital representation and exploring partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

At its core, the conference embodies our mission to explore how we can deploy digital tools with scholarly integrity, religious sensitivity and pedagogical wisdom to ensure that the light of the Prophet (PBUH) reaches those who are most in need of it.

It is deeply gratifying that this conference coincides with the launch of the Digital Sirah Initiative, which Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser envisioned and has directly supported. 

As I commend the efforts of those working at the Muhammad bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contributions as well as the members of the Digital Sirah Committee, I warmly welcome conference guests from various countries, and I pray that the Almighty grants success to them all and to the conference.
 

Dean’s Message

The Fourth International Conference on the Prophetic Sīrah marks a significant milestone in our journey. By combining classical Sīrah studies with the creative potential of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies, the conference ensures that our engagement with the life of the Prophet (PBUH) remains authentic, ethical and relevant in the age of digital transformation.

It gives me great pleasure that the Sirah conference coincides with the launch of the Digital Sirah Initiative, which began in 2017 under the visionary guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, with the aim of bridging fourteen centuries of prophetic tradition with the technological realities of our modern time. 

There is no doubt that the distinguished assembly of scholars, researchers, technologists and educators who will join us in our endeavor to serve the Prophetic Sīrah in our digital age is a significant testament to the importance of this conference and this digital initiative. 

May Allah grant success to all guests and participants.