The Islamic Forum in Sharjah, a branch of the Department of Islamic Affairs, recently organised a scholarly council titled “The Family in the Holy Qur’an.” The council, presented by Dr. Abdul Hakim Al-Anees, an expert in Qur’anic studies at the Sharjah Qur’an Academy, took place from October 10 to 22 at Um Ayman Mosque in Sharjah following the evening prayers.
This initiative was part of the forum’s programmes accompanying the Year of the Family, aiming to elucidate the Qur’anic approach to building and maintaining a stable family. The council highlighted various Qur’anic verses that offer guidance on different aspects of family life, fostering relationships founded on love, mercy, and respectful conduct.
Exploring the Qur’anic Family Structure
During the sessions, Dr. Al-Anees delved into the Qur’anic teachings related to family dynamics, covering essential topics from selecting a righteous spouse to the mutual rights and responsibilities of partners. The discussions also included the fundamental principles of interaction between spouses and the parental duties of raising and nurturing children. Additionally, the council addressed Qur’anic guidance on managing family conflicts with wisdom, justice, and kindness, which serves to preserve familial bonds and enhance understanding and stability among family members.
Supporting Materials and Community Engagement
Accompanying the discussions was a scholarly publication produced by the Islamic Forum’s research department specifically for this programme. This resource was based on “Zad Al-Masir Fi Ilm Al-Tafsir” by Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, designed to assist participants in comprehending the selected verses and act as a reference guide on family matters. This addition aims to enrich the family library and encourage ongoing reflection on the teachings presented in the council after its conclusion.
A Warm Reception from the Community
The council received an impressive turnout from community members, signalling a strong interest in scientific topics relevant to their daily lives and the desire to better understand the religious directives concerning family issues. The attendees expressed enthusiasm for applying these insights to tackle everyday challenges.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
This council reflects the Islamic Forum’s commitment to fostering intellectual resilience within the community, aligning with the Department of Islamic Affairs’ initiatives to provide scientific programmes that promote a correct understanding of religion. The forum aims to connect religious knowledge with real-life issues, presenting the meanings and guidance of the Qur’an in an accessible and scholarly manner to reinforce religious consciousness and upbringing.
Through this initiative, the Islamic Forum demonstrates its dedication to its scholarly and social role, offering programmes that merge the authenticity of religious knowledge with the needs of contemporary families. This approach aligns with the objectives of the Year of the Family and the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to supporting and strengthening family bonds, establishing its significance as a foundation for community development.