RIYADH, 2 January 2007 — Crown Prince Sultan said yesterday that the establishment of a chair for contemporary Islamic studies in his name at King Saud University was aimed at promoting moderate teachings of Islam. He made this statement after signing an agreement with Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, grand mufti and supervisor of the chair, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Othman, the rector of the university.
The Prince Sultan Chair at Islamic Studies Department of the university’s Faculty of Education will encourage creative thinking and support applied Islamic studies. It will also cooperate with scientific societies in Saudi Arabia and coordinate with scientific and Shariah organizations and scholars within the Kingdom and abroad in the field of studies and research.
Among the chair’s main objectives are the preparation of an encyclopedia (both in print and electronic form) in order to highlight the moderateness of Islam, the recruitment of qualified professors, and the organization of seminars, conferences and workshops.
The chair will print and publish research works and encourage students of higher studies and researchers by providing them with incentives. It will also support important research projects.
Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony, the grand mufti commended Prince Sultan for financing the chair, adding that the research project would highlight the noble teachings of Islam which are suitable for all ages and places.
He urged all Muslims to follow the teachings of Islam in all aspects of their lives. “We will make use of this chair to promote Islam with every modern means,” he added.
Al-Othman praised Prince Sultan’s initiative in setting up the chair for Islamic studies, adding that such research projects at Saudi universities would play a big role in boosting the Kingdom’s development. “The Prince Sultan Chair is valuable addition to the university’s research program,” he added.
