A One-Day International Seminar on Character, Intelligence and the Prophetic Way
What does it mean to be an ethical human being in a world that is becoming increasingly intelligent?
We live in a time where technology can generate ideas in seconds, artificial intelligence can process enormous amounts of information, and knowledge is more accessible than ever before.
But as the world becomes more intelligent, who is teaching us how to become better human beings?
Knowledge can make us capable.
Intelligence can make us effective.
But character determines how we use both.
This October, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) invites you to an important conversation about the dimension of human excellence that can never be replaced by technology:
Character.
Introducing the International Seminar: THE ETHICAL HUMAN, taking place on 8 October 2026 (Thursday) at the Main Auditorium, Level 3, Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED), IIUM.
Built around the profound Qur’anic verse:
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
— Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4
This one-day seminar brings together Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi and Ustaz Azlan Shah Nabees Khan for a meaningful exploration of ethical intelligence and Prophetic character.
WHEN INTELLIGENCE IS NOT ENOUGH
We often ask:
How can I become more successful?
How can I become more productive?
How can I become a better leader?
How can I make better decisions?
But perhaps there is another question we need to ask:
What kind of person am I becoming while pursuing all of these things?
Because intelligence without ethics can create capability without direction.
Knowledge without character can become difficult to translate into wisdom.
And leadership without moral grounding can lose sight of the very people it is meant to serve.
The Ethical Human is a seminar designed to bring this conversation back to where it belongs — to the human being.
It is an opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life and spend a day reflecting on intelligence, ethics, values and character through the Prophetic way.
TWO POWERFUL SESSIONS. ONE IMPORTANT CONVERSATION.
The programme features two main sessions, each approaching the theme from a different but complementary perspective.
SESSION 1
ETHICAL INTELLIGENCE: THE PROPHETIC WAY
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
With Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi
What happens when intelligence is guided by revelation, wisdom and moral responsibility?
In the first session, internationally recognised scholar Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi will explore Ethical Intelligence: The Prophetic Way.
This session invites participants to look beyond intelligence as simply the ability to acquire knowledge or solve problems.
Instead, it opens a deeper conversation about the kind of intelligence that guides a person to make decisions with wisdom, responsibility and ethical consciousness.
In a world where we increasingly rely on information, algorithms and artificial intelligence to help us make decisions, this session offers an opportunity to revisit an essential human question:
How do we ensure that our intelligence serves what is right, meaningful and morally responsible?
Come ready to listen, reflect and rethink what intelligence means in the first place.
SESSION 2
THE ARCHITECTURE OF PROPHETIC CHARACTER
Surah Al-Qalam 68:4
2:15 PM – 4:00 PM
With Ustaz Azlan Shah Nabees Khan
Character does not simply appear.
It is built.
It is shaped by our beliefs, values, habits, choices, relationships and responses to the challenges we encounter.
In the afternoon session, Ustaz Azlan Shah Nabees Khan will take participants deeper into the meaning behind Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4, and its description of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as being of great moral character.
The session, “The Architecture of Prophetic Character”, offers an opportunity to examine what lies beneath exemplary character — and how Prophetic values can continue to guide human beings in contemporary life.
This is not simply a discussion about manners.
It is a conversation about who we are, what shapes us and what kind of character we choose to build.
MORE THAN A SEMINAR — A DAY TO PAUSE, THINK AND RESET
Between work, studies, responsibilities, deadlines and the constant flow of information, meaningful reflection can easily become something we postpone.
This programme creates a space to pause.
To listen.
To reflect.
To ask better questions.
And perhaps, most importantly, to return to the fundamentals of what makes us human.
Participants will begin the day with the recitation of Al-Waqi’ah, followed by welcoming remarks by Professor Dato’ Dr Mohamad Fauzan Noordin.
The programme will then continue with the morning session by Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi.
After the lunch break and Zuhr prayer, the afternoon programme will feature opening remarks by Yang Berhormat Senator Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, followed by the second session with Ustaz Azlan Shah Nabees Khan.
It is a carefully structured day designed around learning, reflection and meaningful engagement.
WHY YOU SHOULD BE PART OF THIS CONVERSATION
If you are looking for a programme that goes beyond conventional talks and encourages deeper reflection on how we think, how we behave and who we are becoming, this seminar offers that opportunity.
Hear from renowned speakers
Gain insights from Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi and Ustaz Azlan Shah Nabees Khan, bringing different perspectives to the central theme of ethical intelligence and Prophetic character.
Explore the Prophetic model
Discover how the character of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provides a timeless framework for thinking about ethics, leadership, relationships and human conduct.
Reconnect intelligence with values
In an era increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence, reflect on why human intelligence must remain connected to ethics, wisdom and responsibility.
Take time for meaningful reflection
Step away from the daily rush and dedicate one day to learning and reflecting on something that directly affects every aspect of our lives — our character.
Experience a meaningful gathering at IIUM
Join fellow participants at the International Islamic University Malaysia for a day centred on knowledge, virtue and the development of the ethical human.
THE QUESTION IS NOT ONLY WHAT WE KNOW
The world has never had more information.
But information alone does not tell us what is right.
Technology can tell us what can be done.
Intelligence can help us determine how it can be done.
But character asks the more important question:
Should it be done?
That distinction matters.
It matters in leadership.
It matters in education.
It matters in our families.
It matters in our workplaces.
It matters in the decisions we make when nobody is watching.
And it matters in the kind of society we leave behind for the next generation.
This is why the conversation surrounding The Ethical Human is so important.
YOUR NEXT DAY COULD BE MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER SEMINAR
Imagine spending a full day listening to perspectives on:
Ethical Intelligence.
The Prophetic Way.
Great Moral Character.
Surah Al-Qalam 68:4.
Human values.
Personal character.
Not simply collecting information.
But taking the time to ask:
Am I becoming the kind of person I want to become?
That is the conversation waiting for you at The Ethical Human.
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR: THE ETHICAL HUMAN
Date: 8 October 2026, Thursday
Venue: Main Auditorium, Level 3, Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED), IIUM
Programme Highlights
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Arrival of Participants
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Recitation of Al-Waqi’ah
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Welcoming Remarks
Professor Dato’ Dr Mohamad Fauzan Noordin
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Session 1
ETHICAL INTELLIGENCE: THE PROPHETIC WAY
with Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch Break & Zuhr Prayer
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Opening Remarks
Yang Berhormat Senator Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir
2:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Session 2
THE ARCHITECTURE OF PROPHETIC CHARACTER: SURAH AL-QALAM 68:4
with Ustaz Azlan Shah Nabees Khan
SECURE YOUR PLACE
Tier 1: RM299 nett
Tier 2: RM199 nett
Limited seats available.
If the subject of ethical intelligence, Prophetic character and human development speaks to you, this is an opportunity to be part of the conversation.
Come not merely to hear.
Come to reflect.
Come not merely to learn about character.
Come to examine your own.
Come not merely to understand the Prophetic way.
Come to consider how it can shape the way you live, lead and serve.
THE ETHICAL HUMAN
8 October 2026 | Thursday
Main Auditorium, Level 3, KAED, IIUM
RSVP now and reserve your place.
Limited seats.