Sayed Zafar Abbas
Scholar
Sayed Zafar Abbas was born in London and hails from a religious family well known for their service to Aba Abdillah al Husayn (AS). He traces his lineage back to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the tenth holy Imam, Ali al-Hadi al-Naqi (AS). Using his background in politics, international relations, history and law, acquired over four years, culminating in a Masters degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and combining it with a traditional hawza education for over a decade from both London as well as the oldest Islamic seminary in the world at Najaf al Ashraf, Sayed is able to bring a fresh perspective to the pulpit, amalgamating the modern with the traditional as well as presenting new perspectives on his main areas of interest: history, theology and ethics.
Minoo Mirshahvalad
PHD in Sociology
She graduated in Graphic Design from the Shahed University of Tehran and in Philosophical Sciences at the University of Bologna. She obtained her PhD in Sociology from the University of Turin. Since October 2020, she has been collaborating with the chair of Islamic Studies at the University of Pisa.
Nouri Sardar
Moderator | Poet
"Nouri Sardar is a poet and filmmaker. Born and raised in London, he has recited his poetry internationally at mosques, conventions and universities.
His poetry focuses on the Ahlulbayt (the Prophet Muhammad and his family), on divine love, spirituality and on issues of social justice. He has published five books of poetry and produced multiple albums commemorating the epic of Ashura. Through books, albums and videos, his poetry is read and heard avidly by readers and listeners worldwide. As a filmmaker, Nouri has produced and directed dozens of documentaries and short films tackling various issues that affect the Muslim community.
He is also the co-host and creator of 786 Boulevard, a podcast dedicated to conversations at the intersection of artistic expression, culture and spirituality. The podcast featured on The National’s top 11 podcasts with inspiring Muslim voices, alongside the Obama-produced ‘Tell Them I Am’ podcast, as well as others. Nouri has been interviewed and featured by the BBC, Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye and more. He can currently be found in the United States.
