The Quran and Human Development Forum, organised by the Imam Jabir bin Zaid Waqf Foundation, was launched under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, Minister of Diwan of Royal Court, in the presence of a number of Their Highnesses and Excellencies.
The event examines the Quran’s role in shaping intellectual and moral development, and explores how its guidance can inform a value-driven vision for the future. The event was held at the Grand Hall of the University Cultural Centre, bringing together scholars of Islamic studies and Islamic law from Oman and other countries.
In the opening address, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Khalili, Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman, described the revelation of the Quran as the greatest event in history, illuminating human understanding and guiding humanity’s purpose from origin to destiny. He noted its transformative impact, citing how it elevated early Arab societies into a leading civilisation grounded in faith and knowledge. His Eminence further emphasised the need to align thought and methodology with Quranic guidance, urging deeper engagement with its meanings to inform scientific, intellectual and ethical frameworks across all stages of life.
Sheikh Khalil bin Ahmed Al-Khalili, Chairman of Foundation, highlighted the Quran’s role in connecting individuals with their Creator and preparing them to fulfil their responsibilities on earth. He stressed that meaningful engagement with the Quran fosters balanced character, sound judgement and social development. He further underlined the responsibility of scholars and institutions to promote deeper awareness of the Quran, noting that contemporary global uncertainty calls for renewed reliance on its ethical and intellectual compass. He affirmed that Oman’s national vision, including Oman Vision 2040, prioritises the development of a balanced individual rooted in identity and values.
The forum’s main session reaffirmed the Quran as a central reference for integrating knowledge and ethics, and called for restoring its unifying role in contemporary thought. Discussions highlighted the importance of balancing critical reasoning with moral guidance to cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to societal progress.
The first day featured five research papers addressing the Quran’s centrality in Islamic knowledge. Topics included principles of interpretation, Quranic perspectives on psychology, tools of knowledge in the Quran, governance through prophetic narratives, and the ethical objectives embedded in Quranic stories.
Public lectures were also held, covering themes such as development concepts in the Quran, reflective readings, and the relationship between optimism and freedom in Islam. A specialised workshop on Quranic approaches to psychological wellbeing in education targeted social and psychological specialists.
The second day also explored internal human development and the role of Quranic studies in education, with sessions focusing on identity, critical thinking and the integration of Quranic values into curricula and media.
The forum concluded with recommendations to strengthen the Quran’s role in education, thought and society, supporting the development of balanced individuals intellectually, spiritually and ethically.