Conference Management at the European Academy for Qur'anic Studies and the Saudi Scientific Society for the Holy Qur'an and its Sciences (Tebyan)

Abstract

 The Third International Conference on Qur'anic Studies, titled "Qur'anic Studies and Muslims in the West," was held in Manchester, UK, (July 31 - August 2, 2015). It was organized by the European Academy for Qur'anic Studies and the Saudi Scientific Society for the Holy Qur'an and its Sciences (Tebyan), alongside the University of Salford. The conference aimed to affirm the Qur'an's timeless relevance and utilize Qur'anic studies in educating Muslim youth and addressing community challenges in the West, continuing previous efforts to promote the Qur'an and its contemplation (Tadabbur). Researchers and academics from Arab and European countries participated, presenting 44 papers and four specialized workshops. The conference themes were structured around eight main axes, focusing on: Qur'anic values and their impact on education, manifestations of honoring humanity and women’s rights in the Qur'an, the practical models and influencing factors of Qur'anic Tadabbur, and contemporary methods for teaching and contemplating the Qur'an. Key research topics included Qur'anic dialogue, human rights comparisons with global systems, objectives derived from Qur'anic oaths and narratives, and technology in Qur'an service (e.g., electronic recitation centers). The conferees recommended establishing specialized centers to support Western Muslims through Qur'anic guidance, empowering Muslim women, developing methods for Qur'an comprehension and Tadabbur using modern technology, and clarifying the Qur'an's moderate approach to human rights. It was also agreed to hold the Fourth Conference focusing on: "Justice and Benevolence in the Holy Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah."