President of Umm Al Qura University (UQU) Dr. Bakri Bin M'atoog Bin Bakri Assas reviewed plans of the Institute of Manuscripts and Revival of Islamic Heritage – which is currently under establishment, in consideration of the university's manuscripts dated back to about one thousand years, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. The meeting which took place on Monday Shawal 20, 1437 H in the university campus in Abdiyah, was attended by the UQU Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Thamir bin Hamdan Al-Harb, and the Dean of the Institute of Manuscripts and Revival of Islamic Heritage, Dr. Adnan Al-Harthi.
During the meeting, Dr. Assas said provided that the university contains manuscripts and scientific theses amounting to more than two thousand in the field of revival of Islamic heritage, it has been very keen to establish this institute to become a guidepost simulating the Islamic reality with its precious antiques, in line with the Saudi vision 2030 declared by HRH the Deputy Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman who was very interested in Islamic museums and sites upon launching the Saudi Vision 2030. He added that the institute is an extension of institutions already exist represented by the Center of Revival of Islamic Heritage, pointing out that the modern capabilities and techniques will be harnessed to maintain Islamic manuscripts by means of renovation and sterilization.
He applauded the support provided to the university by the wise leadership to make this institute a reality, the thing which will have its impact on registering the collectibles of this institute everywhere around the world. He lauded also the follow-up and attention of the minister of education Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Eisa to the scientific sources interested in Islamic heritage, and the efforts exerted by those who are in charge of the Institute.
For his part, the and the Dean of the Institute of Manuscripts and Revival of Islamic Heritage, Dr. Adnan Al-Harthi, provided an overview about the institute will assume the leadership in maintaining the manuscripts and antiques of the university, pointing out that investment of this heritage in the field of knowledge will achieve many goals for the local, regional and international communities. He added that the Islamic manuscript is the most important component of this heritage and that the number of Islamic manuscripts is estimated to about three to five million pieces spread in different places around the world mostly in India, Turkey, Europe, Egypt, and North of Africa.
Al-Harthi said that the institute was established to achieve a great advantage for UQU by making use of its specialized scientific personnel in the different aspects of the history of the Arabian peninsula and Islam.
"The institute currently comprises of the center of revival of Islamic heritage, English language center, computer center, administrative and financial department, manuscripts hall and the library", he expounded.
He went on to add that the researches and projects of the institute are proposed by individuals and will be linked to the programs of the scientific research and the projects adopted by the institute through the publication of the scientific theses achieved by the university in the field of heritage.