HBKU Professor to QNA: Ramadan enhances understanding of Islamic Civilization

English , Qatar - قطر , Snippets , / Sunday, March 9th, 2025

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Doha, March 09 (QNA) – Dr. Aisha Yusuf Al Mannai, Director of Muhammad Bin Hamad Al-Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), emphasized that Ramadan offers a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of Islamic civilization and its historical contributions through lectures and seminars. She highlighted the significance of this month as a period of spiritual reflection and an ideal time to engage with the intellectual and cultural heritage of Islam.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Mannai, a College of Islamic Studies professor, elaborated on how the atmosphere of Ramadan enhances awareness of Islamic heritage and presents a holistic view of Islamic civilization. She noted that Muslims have made remarkable contributions to human progress throughout history, particularly in science, philosophy, medicine, and the arts.
Discussing the origins of the Muhammad Bin Hamad Al-Thani Center, Al Mannai explained that it was established in 1983 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, who was then the Minister of Education. His vision was to translate major Islamic books into English to facilitate intellectual exchange between different cultures. In 2010, the center became part of the College of Islamic Studies at HBKU, further strengthening its role in preserving and disseminating Islamic heritage on a global scale.
She detailed the center’s key initiatives, which include extensive translation projects, organizing international academic conferences, and supporting scholarly research on Islamic civilizational contributions. These efforts aim to bridge gaps between cultures and promote a deeper appreciation of Islamic intellectual achievements.
On the subject of translation, Al Mannai emphasized its pivotal role in spreading Islamic knowledge across the world. The center actively translates works into several languages, including English, French, German, Turkish, and Chinese, thereby broadening access to Islamic scholarship and fostering intercultural dialogue. She revealed that future plans include expanding translation efforts to encompass various scientific disciplines such as medicine, astronomy, pharmacy, and engineering, alongside the humanities and social sciences. These initiatives are guided by a specialized global scientific committee that ensures the quality and relevance of translated works.
In addition to translations, the center is deeply involved in verifying rare Islamic manuscripts, publishing summaries of significant Islamic texts, and hosting academic seminars. These activities facilitate scholarly discourse on the contributions of Muslims to world civilization, reaffirming Islam’s rich intellectual legacy. Al Mannai stressed that promoting historical knowledge is one of the center’s primary objectives, and efforts have extended beyond translating works from Arabic into foreign languages to also include translating vital global works into Arabic to strengthen academic exchange.
Regarding the impact of the center’s work on public perceptions of Islam, Al Mannai underscored that its mission is to highlight the positive civilizational aspects of Islam while correcting misconceptions. By producing well-researched scholarly works and ensuring the accuracy of historical Islamic manuscripts, the center helps counter stereotypes and offers a balanced portrayal of Islam’s contributions to humanity.
She pointed out that the study of Islamic civilization is closely linked to the biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In recognition of this, the center holds an annual conference exploring various aspects of the Prophet’s life and teachings. This year, the conference focused on his approach to war and peace, offering insights into the ethical foundations of Islamic governance and diplomacy.
Al Mannai also noted that the center’s scholarly output contributes to fostering confidence among Muslim youth regarding their faith and cultural heritage. By presenting Islam as a religion that harmonizes spiritual and material life, the center encourages young Muslims to engage with their intellectual tradition and contribute meaningfully to modern society.
Concluding her remarks, Al Mannai praised Qatar’s ongoing efforts to support initiatives aimed at reviving Islamic heritage and promoting dialogue among civilizations. She affirmed that the center aspires to evolve into a leading global platform for research on Muslim contributions to human civilization. This goal aligns with Qatar’s broader commitment to knowledge dissemination and cultural exchange, reinforcing its status as a major advocate for intellectual and civilizational dialogue on the global stage.