• Home

Islamic studies centre to be set up in Dubai soon

DUBAI — The emirate will soon be home to an institute of academic learning focusing on Islamic studies, according to the region's most renowned authority on the Holy Quran and science.

Egyptian Dr Zagloul Al Najar, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award Islamic Personality of the Year, told Khaleej Times that discussions were held to open an establishment for teaching Islam and disciplines linked to the religion.

“Talks have been held with the relevant authorities regarding the opening of such an institution in Dubai. Plans are still in preliminary stages.”

Dr Al Najar is well-known for his teachings on various scientific phenomena that are stated in the Holy Quran. He is the former director of the Markfield Institute for Higher Learning in the UK, where Islamic studies are taught by acclaimed Muslim scholars. He also appears regularly on Abu Dhabi TV.

Speaking on the subject concerning the recent discovery made by European scientists of a new planet 120 trillion miles away from Earth and believed to contain water, Dr Al Najar said there was nothing strange about the presence of life on other planets.

"The Quran teaches us that the universe is full of other beings. These beings are not like us necessarily. That depends on the environment they live in."

• UAE