Sharjah Forum highlights Muslim contributions

September 23, 2025 / 5:50 PM

Sharjah 24: Under the patronage of the Islamic Forum in Sharjah, the scientific symposium “The intellectual contributions of Muslims to civilisation and their contemporary applications” opened on Tuesday morning, 23 September 2025. The event brought together a distinguished group of academics and researchers specialising in intellectual and civilisational studies, as part of the Forum’s ongoing efforts to revive Islamic scholarly heritage and connect it with today’s world.

Day one: Muslim achievements worldwide
The first day began with a lecture delivered at 10:00 am at the Islamic Forum headquarters by Professor Dr Mohammed Awadh, entitled “The civilisational achievements of Muslims in the world.” He highlighted the contributions of Muslim scholars across the centuries in natural sciences, astronomy, medicine and engineering, alongside their impact on philosophy, literature and the arts.

Dr Awadh explained that Islamic civilisation served as a vital source of human knowledge throughout history, transferring science from East to West and paving the way for Europe’s modern renaissance. He underlined the pioneering role of Muslim scholars in advancing scientific methods based on observation and experimentation, centuries ahead of their time.

He also pointed to the significance of early Islamic institutions such as the House of Wisdom in Baghdad and Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, which stood as beacons of learning that attracted seekers of knowledge from across the world. He stressed that Islamic values, rooted in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, helped create a thriving intellectual environment whose influence continues to resonate today.

The first day of the symposium drew a large audience of researchers, university students and those interested in Islamic heritage, who engaged actively in discussions and scholarly exchanges.

Commenting on the event, His Excellency Dr Majid Bushleibi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Forum, said: “Through this distinguished scientific symposium, the Islamic Forum has addressed a central theme at the heart of our cultural and intellectual identity. Islamic civilisation has long been a fountain of sciences and knowledge that has played a crucial role in enriching human civilisation.”

He added: “We believe in the importance of drawing inspiration from the scientific methodology of our golden age—built on research, experimentation and openness to diverse cultures—as a key to addressing today’s global challenges. The symposium calls for a renewed reading of our illustrious history, not as nostalgia, but as guidance for designing a brighter future.”

Dr Bushleibi concluded: “Our aim is to affirm that Islamic thought is dynamic and ever-renewing, capable of offering profound solutions to contemporary issues—ranging from economic development to environmental sustainability. Through this symposium, we seek to foster cultural and scientific dialogue and to present an authentic picture of Islam as a religion that champions knowledge, learning and innovation.”