Wrapping up the meeting to familiarize the King Abdullah Chair for the Qur’an at Umm Al-Qura University here on Wednesday, the participants also called for the formation of a higher coordination council for Qur’an chairs in the Kingdom and holding annual conference on Qur’an chairs.

Several prominent Islamic scholars and academics, including Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques, and Umm Al-Qura University President Bakri Assas, attended the concluding session at the university’s King Abdul Aziz Historic Hall.

The meeting called for holding periodical meetings of Qur’an chairs across the Kingdom. “There should be interaction and exchange of expertise and information among Qur’an foundations all over the Kingdom. Efforts have to be made to develop Qur’an research chairs into expert houses or excellent research centers in various branches of Qur’an studies,” the meeting recommended.

Other recommendations included highlighting the role of Qur’an chairs through the media and preparing curriculum and holding training programs in Qur’an studies.

Sheikh Al-Sudais highlighted the significance of Qur’an chairs in spreading the sublime message of the holy book. “The King Abdullah Chair for Qur’an underscores the utmost keenness and great care given by the rulers of the country to the Qur’an,” he said. Sheikh Al-Sudais, who is also imam and khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, drew attention to three pivotal factors concerning the Kingdom’s keenness in promoting the cause of the holy book. These were the glory of the Qur’an, the honor of the holiest place on earth and the honor of the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

Bakri Assas described the King Abdullah Chair as a lamp serving the holy book.