Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates' Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated a landmark conference in Abu Dhabi titled "The Holy Quran, Cosmological Horizons, and the UAE's Efforts in Serving It." Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, the event brought together a distinguished assembly of Islamic scholars, scientific specialists, and esteemed guests of the UAE President.
The conference aimed to explore the intersection between the Quran's teachings and humanity's understanding of the cosmos. In his opening address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasized the Holy Quran's enduring role as a guide for a meaningful life grounded in knowledge, ethical conduct, and productive work. He highlighted core values like love, cooperation, tolerance, and universal brotherhood as central themes within the scripture.
Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Derei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE), the conference's organizer, underscored the event's significance. He explained that the conference served as a platform to delve deeper into the Quran's timeless message and to foster the advancement of Islam through intellectual and scientific discourse. Discussions focused on the Quran's potential to inspire scientific exploration and its profound insights that resonate with contemporary cosmological discoveries.
The conference boasted a prestigious roster of attendees, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council, and Mohamed Abdel Rahman Mohamed el-Dawiny, Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. Additionally, Dr. Engineer Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah, was present to contribute valuable perspectives.
The UAE has a long-standing history of promoting Islamic scholarship and fostering interfaith dialogue. This conference served as another testament to the nation's commitment to these goals. By exploring the scientific dimensions of the Quran, the event aimed to bridge the gap between faith and reason, fostering a deeper appreciation for the scripture's enduring wisdom.
The discussions not only illuminated the Quran's profound understanding of the universe but also shed light on its timeless call for human progress and responsible stewardship of the natural world. The conference is expected to contribute significantly to ongoing scholarly discourse on the relationship between religion and science, paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of both.