Najaf, Iraq – January 2026 – The World Islamic Schools Forum (WISE) successfully concluded its fourth annual global summit, held from December 29–31, 2025, in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq. Under the theme “Training Future Leaders,” the landmark event brought together over 100 Islamic educational institutions from 20 countries, welcoming more than 300 delegates, including school principals, senior educators, curriculum developers, researchers, and student representatives.
Hosted with the generous support of the Al-Atabah Al-Alawiyyah Al-Muqaddassah (the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali), the summit marked a significant milestone in WISE’s journey toward building a cohesive, innovative, and value-driven global network of Islamic schools.
Summit Overview: A Gathering of Vision and Purpose
The three-day program was meticulously designed to bridge timeless Islamic wisdom with contemporary educational challenges. Delegates engaged in a rich tapestry of activities, including:
- Keynote addresses by distinguished scholars and educational leaders.
- Expert panel discussions on the intersection of technology, ethics, and pedagogy.
- Interactive workshops offering practical solutions for school management and curriculum development.
- The WISE Talks Finals, featuring inspiring presentations by young Muslim innovators.
- Networking sessions and cultural exchanges that fostered cross-border collaborations.
The overarching goal was to equip educators and administrators with the tools, insights, and networks needed to nurture a generation of leaders who are academically excellent, spiritually grounded, and socially responsible.
Key Themes That Shaped the Discourse
The Najaf Summit focused on four interconnected pillars that are critical to the future of Islamic schooling:
1. Character and Identity Formation
A central theme of the summit was the development of student character and identity as the bedrock of strong Islamic schools. Sessions explored how to move beyond rote learning to cultivate moral reasoning, emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of purpose rooted in Quranic and Prophetic teachings.
2. Artificial Intelligence in Islamic Education
With AI rapidly transforming every aspect of human life, the summit dedicated significant attention to its role in education. The panel “Guided by Values, Powered by Innovation” examined practical applications of AI—from personalized learning paths to administrative automation—while emphasizing the imperative of ethical governance and alignment with Islamic principles.
3. Integrating Timeless Wisdom with Modern Technology
Delegates explored how schools can harmonize classical Islamic pedagogy with cutting-edge tools. Presentations showcased innovative approaches that use technology not as a replacement for human connection, but as a means to deepen reflection, enhance memorization of the Quran, and foster critical thinking.
4. Collaborative Networking and Regional Synergy
The summit served as a vibrant marketplace of ideas, where schools from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds shared best practices. The “Growing Together” interactive carousel and regional networking sessions enabled participants to identify common challenges and co-create solutions.
Distinguished Speakers and Thought Leaders
The WISE 2025 Najaf Summit was honored to feature an exceptional lineup of speakers and panelists:
| Day | Speaker / Panelist | Session / Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Dec 29) | Maulana Rizvi | Welcome Address & Opening Remarks |
| Br. Safder Jaffer | Opening Keynote: The Vision of WISE | |
| Dr. Kem Hussain | Panel: “The Class of 2037 – AI, Families, and Societies” | |
| Maulana Abidi | Al-Kisa Foundation: Resources and Curriculum for Islamic Schools | |
| Day 2 (Dec 30) | Dr. Zainab Hosseini | Keynote: Women’s Leadership in Islamic Education |
| Br. Faisal Rajani | Workshop: “Financing the Future – Sustainable School Growth” | |
| Dr. Saeed Moradi | Panel: AI Applications in Islamic Schools | |
| Dr. Leila Mouhanna | “Relational Spirituality as a Foundation for Character Education” | |
| Day 3 (Dec 31) | Sheikh Malumba Yusuf | Closing Keynote: Unity and the Path Forward |
| Maulana Abidi | Concluding Address & Award Ceremony |
Highlights from the Daily Program
Day 1: Opening and Vision-Setting (December 29)
The summit opened with a stirring recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a warm welcome from Maulana Rizvi. Br. Safder Jaffer’s keynote set the tone, emphasizing the urgent need for Islamic schools to produce leaders who can navigate complexity with faith and integrity.
The headline panel, “The Class of 2037,” drew a full house. Dr. Kem Hussain and fellow experts painted a vivid picture of how AI, automation, and big data will reshape family structures, employment, and learning. The discussion stressed that Islamic schools must proactively prepare students for a future where human-machine collaboration is the norm, while preserving the centrality of divine guidance.
The evening session featured the WISE Talks Finals, where six young finalists delivered compelling presentations on the theme of Imam Ali (AS) as a model of justice, wisdom, and leadership. The audience was deeply moved by the eloquence and depth of these emerging voices.
Day 2: Deep Dives and Practical Workshops (December 30)
Day two was dedicated to hands-on learning and specialized sessions. Delegates chose from parallel tracks that addressed both strategic and operational concerns:
- Track A (Finance & Governance): Br. Faisal Rajani led a practical workshop on endowment funds (waqf), entrepreneurial initiatives, and balanced tuition models to ensure long-term school viability.
- Track B (AI & Curriculum): Dr. Saeed Moradi and Dr. Nooh Kasraie demonstrated real-world AI tools for lesson planning, student assessment, and teacher professional development. The session “Guided by Values, Powered by Innovation” was particularly well-received, offering a balanced perspective on technological adoption.
- Track C (Character & Pedagogy): A series of presentations explored prophetic frameworks for youth development. Br. Seyed Alireza Abidi introduced the “Third Seven Years” model, focusing on mentoring adolescents toward leadership roles, while Maryam Al Shahrestani presented the Samim Institute’s 13-year character education program.
A highlight of the day was the panel on Student Character & Identity, which featured experiences from WISE chapters in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Despite their geographical diversity, schools reported remarkably similar challenges—and a shared commitment to nurturing holistic, faith-centered personalities.
Day 3: Consolidation and Celebration (December 31)
The final day began with a productive WISE Business and Regional Meeting, where chapter leaders reported on progress and outlined strategic goals for 2026. This was followed by an interactive group activity where participants mapped the most pressing needs of their schools and co-designed future WISE programs to address them.
The Closing Ceremony was a moving affair. Sheikh Malumba Yusuf delivered a powerful keynote on the importance of unity, reminding delegates that despite differences in jurisprudence and culture, the Ummah shares a common destiny. He called on WISE schools to be beacons of moderation, compassion, and excellence.
The ceremony culminated in the WISE Prize and WISE Talent Awards, which recognized outstanding achievements in family-centered education projects and artistic expressions inspired by the legacy of Imam Hussain (AS). The winners received cash prizes and certificates of recognition, and their works will be featured in the WISE 2026 exhibition.
Special Programs and Side Events
The WISE Student Leadership Summit (Concurrent Event)
Held in parallel with the main program, the Student Summit engaged young delegates in leadership training, peer-to-peer mentoring, and project-based learning. Participants had the opportunity to present their own initiatives and receive feedback from experienced educators.
Ziyarat Caravan (December 26 – January 1)
Many delegates extended their stay to participate in the spiritual caravan, which included guided visits to the holy shrines in Najaf, Karbala, and Samarra, as well as the historic mosques of Kufa and Sahla. This program provided a profound opportunity for reflection and renewal of faith.
WISE Talent Competition (Poetry and Visual Arts)
The inaugural WISE Talent competition received over 150 submissions from young artists and poets across the globe. The theme, “Introducing the Legacy of Imam Hussain (AS) to the World,” inspired powerful works that will be exhibited at the WISE 2026 Summit.
Participating Schools: A Global Representation
The WISE 2025 Najaf Summit was proud to welcome representatives from over 100 schools across five continents. Notable participating institutions included:
| Region | Representative Schools |
|---|---|
| North America (USA & Canada) | Al-Hadi School (TX), WISE Academy (MI), As-Sadiq School (ON), Selm Academy (ON), Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy (BC) |
| Europe | Al-Sadiq & Al-Zahra Schools (UK), Avicenna Private School (Austria), Persian-Bosnian College (Bosnia) |
| Australia | Az-Zahra College (NSW), Bellfield College (NSW), Playford College (SA) |
| Africa | Bilal School (Kenya), Al Muntazir School (Tanzania), Dar Ul Muslimeen (Tanzania), AhlulBayt Islamic Center (Uganda) |
| Asia | Alavi Schools (Iran), Hafezan-e Vahy (Iran), Muthahhari Group (Indonesia), Al-Tekamul Educational Group (Iraq), Imamiya Mission School (India), Islamabad Boarding School (Pakistan) |
| South America | Brazilian Islamic School (Brazil) |
This diverse participation underscored WISE’s commitment to inclusivity and cross-cultural dialogue. For a full list of participating schools, please refer to the official WISE 2025 Brochure.
Acknowledgements and Sponsors
The success of the WISE 2025 Najaf Summit would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners and sponsors. The WISE Secretariat extends its deepest gratitude to:
- The Al-Atabah Al-Alawiyyah Al-Muqaddassah (Holy Shrine of Imam Ali) – for hosting and facilitating the event.
- Kisa Foundation – for their generous sponsorship and educational resources.
- Samim Institute – for providing curriculum materials, lesson plans, and educational content.
- The WISE Program Committee, Advisory Group, and Operations Team – for their tireless planning and execution.
- The WISE Student Summit Advisory Committee, WISE Talks Team, and WISE Talent Committee – for creating meaningful opportunities for youth engagement.
- All participating schools, speakers, and volunteers – whose dedication made this gathering a truly transformative experience.
Looking Ahead: WISE 2026 and Beyond
Building on the momentum of the Najaf Summit, WISE has already begun preparations for its fifth annual gathering, scheduled for December 2026. The theme and venue will be announced in the coming months, with a continued focus on innovation, character development, and global collaboration.
In the interim, WISE will continue to support its member schools through:
- Monthly webinars and online professional development workshops.
- The launch of a digital resource library featuring materials from the Najaf sessions.
- Regional networking events to strengthen local chapters.
- Expanded mentorship programs for emerging school leaders.