We had the pleasure of conducting an online interview with Assad Koshul, a CPA and leadership development professional with a rich background in accounting, finance, and change management. Originally from Pakistan and raised in the New York Metro area, Assad brings a unique cross-cultural perspective and has worked across both developed and emerging markets. A Rutgers graduate and lifelong community advocate, he’s passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, empowering young professionals, and driving social change through education and organizational development. After discovering our foundation, the Meridian Association, and reaching out to introduce his work, we connected virtually for an insightful conversation.
1. Could you please tell us about yourself and what led you to start working on an educational program focused on the life of the Prophet Muhammad?
My professional background spans business, education, and organizational development, but I’ve always been deeply driven by a desire to understand—and help others understand—the relevance of the Prophet Muhammad’s life in the modern world.
In my view, Muslims will continue to struggle unless we internalize the legacy of the Prophet not merely as a series of historical events but as a living, operational model for thought and action. Unfortunately, much of how the Seerah is taught today is either overly sensationalized or restricted to a chronological narrative. What’s needed is a shift: from memorizing events to analyzing decisions, from storytelling to strategic insight, and from passive admiration to active operationalization.
This is why we built the curriculum as a tool for inquiry, critical thinking, and contextual reflection. It uses multimedia, situational analysis, and triadic logic to allow learners to not just study the Seerah—but to think with it.
2. From your perspective, what are some of the key misconceptions about the Prophet Muhammad that need to be addressed today, especially among those unfamiliar with his character?
Among Muslims themselves, there’s often a tendency to view the Prophet only through a spiritual or ritualistic lens. While that dimension is essential, it can also limit our understanding of his role as a strategist, statesman, communicator, and ethical reformer. This reductionist approach prevents us from drawing on his legacy to address modern-day personal, social, and political challenges.
For non-Muslims, there is often a great deal of misinformation—ranging from misunderstanding his mission to mischaracterizing his ethics. These distortions flourish partly because we, as Muslims, haven’t always articulated his legacy in a compelling, contextual, and evidence-based way.
Our curriculum is designed to correct both misconceptions by showcasing the multi-dimensional genius of the Prophet —and empowering learners to apply his legacy in contemporary, meaningful ways.
3. How have people responded to your efforts so far? Have there been any surprising or particularly moving reactions from those who have engaged with your content?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. What sets the curriculum apart is its inquiry-based and analytical nature—participants are not passive listeners but active thinkers. We use multimedia, including scenes from the Omar (RA) series, as prompts for discussion and reflection. This multimodal approach enhances understanding and makes the learning experience far more immersive.
Many have shared that for the first time, they’re seeing the Prophet not just as a figure in history, but as a leader whose strategies and decisions speak directly to the challenges of today.
One thing we always emphasize: this is not background listening. The curriculum is not something you casually consume while driving. It demands engagement—and rewards it deeply. People are moved when they realize how the Prophet balanced spirituality, leadership, political acumen, and compassion in one unified framework.
4. You recently visited our foundation and explored our website, which is dedicated to spreading the message and example of the Prophet Muhammad . What are your thoughts on our work and its role in today’s world?
I was truly pleased to see the thoughtfulness and clarity of your work. Your website does a great job of organizing content in a relevant, accessible, and meaningful way. In today’s noisy and distracted world, content that is both grounded in tradition and resonant with current realities is incredibly important—and I believe your platform is making a significant contribution toward that goal.
5. Could you tell us about your Seerah lessons and your future plans related to teaching the life of the Prophet Muhammad ?
We’ve developed a comprehensive curriculum comprising over 415 lessons and more than 200 hours of instruction, designed to bring the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad to life through deep analysis and structured learning. Our work has been endorsed by leading scholars, including Imam Zaid Shakir and Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta.
To increase access, we’ve developed tools for educators and partnered with a university in Turkey to translate and deliver the curriculum. Our aim is to support institutions in teaching the life of the Prophet with depth, relevance, and impact. More information can be found at our website criterionconcept.com
6. Lastly, is there anything you'd like to add that you think is important for our readers?
Yes—just this: the Seerah is not just our past—it’s our manual for the future.
We must stop treating it as a museum exhibit and start using it as a compass. The life of the Prophet offers models for leadership, ethics, strategic thinking, and human development that are not only timeless—they are urgently needed today.
The question is no longer “What happened?” but rather: “What does it mean—and how do we live it?”
That is the journey this curriculum invites us to take.
We thank Assad Koshul for sharing his insights and experiences with us.
