Contributions Of Muslim Scholars Initiative At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Highlights Islamic Scientific Heritage

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has launched the "Contributions of Muslim Scholars" initiative, opening with a three‑month focus on astronomy and mathematics. The project highlights how Muslim scholars shaped early scientific knowledge and aims to share this heritage with visitors in Abu Dhabi and around the world.

The initiative responds to directives from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. It supports the UAE’s vision to protect shared human cultural heritage and builds on the cultural message presented by the Light & Peace Museum at the Mosque.

At the heart of the "Contributions of Muslim Scholars" initiative is a new exhibition in the Dome of Peace. Visitors explore rare manuscripts and scientific instruments that document how Islamic civilisation advanced astronomy and mathematics, while also discovering wider cultural and human values linked to this knowledge tradition.

The exhibition offers an interactive, multimedia‑supported journey through landmark works. Items on display include manuscripts by Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi and Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, an Arabic celestial globe, a historic qibla compass, and an "al-Rub‘ al-Mujib" instrument, among the oldest crafted by Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Battuti.

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The location allows guests to extend their visit to the Light & Peace Museum, which presents Islamic civilisation’s intellectual and artistic output across many centuries. Rare objects and digital displays help explain how knowledge, belief, and creativity interacted in Muslim societies, while also connecting these traditions with present‑day audiences.

The wider initiative also introduces an integrated programme of cultural events in Abu Dhabi. These include discussion sessions, a visual cultural series, and activities for schools and families. Together, they strengthen the Mosque’s position as a centre of knowledge and culture that serves residents, visitors, and specialists.

The official launch gathered officials, diplomats, and experts, reflecting the initiative’s broad reach. Attendees included Dr. Omar Habtour Al Derei, Dr. Sab’a Salem Al Kaabi, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, His Excellency Emilio Benjumea Gutiérrez, Kamal R. Vaswani, alongside a number of specialists, enthusiasts, and school students.

During this event, the Centre announced the first theme, "Astronomy and Mathematics", which continues for three months. The theme presents the leading role of Muslim scholars in these fields and offers a rich learning experience for visitors from many cultural backgrounds, linking historic advances with present scientific thinking.

On the occasion, Dr Yousif Alobaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, said: "The launch of the Contributions of Muslim Scholars initiative is in line with the wise vision of our leadership, and embodies the Centre’s commitment to its cultural and knowledge role in strengthening concepts of cultural identity and deepening awareness of the essence of Islamic culture and what it has offered in human and scientific contributions that played a pivotal role in building human civilisation. The initiative reflects the Centre’s keenness to highlight the bright image of Islamic culture and to introduce its openness and scientific depth in ways that enrich the experience of visitors from different cultures."

He added: "The initiative’s activities were designed to bring together knowledge content, innovative presentation methods and interactive experiences, in a way that strengthens civilisational communication, aligns with the UAE’s vision of safeguarding intellectual heritage and connecting generations with the elements of their Islamic culture and its values, and does so by re-reading Islamic scientific history as a renewed source of inspiration that stimulates research and innovation. It also affirms knowledge as a bridge for convergence between civilisations and a tool for building a more hopeful and future."

A cultural discussion session supported the launch, offering deeper context on Islamic scientific heritage. Adnan Al-Rais, Assistant Director General, Space Operations and Exploration Sector at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, presented "UAE Achievements in Astronomy and Space Sciences", connecting national projects in space with earlier Islamic work in the same field.

Professor Mashhoor Ahmad Salameh gave a second presentation titled "The Golden Age of Astronomy and Mathematics in Islamic Civilisation". The session ended with a lecture by Professor Masoud Idris, from the University of Sharjah and the Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Sciences among Arabs and Muslims, titled: "Astronomy and Mathematics: A Bridge Between Civilisational Heritage and Modern Sciences".

Contributions of Muslim Scholars visitor experience and timings

Alongside the exhibition and talks, the Centre launched a visual series also named "Contributions of Muslim Scholars". The first episode explains the initiative’s aims and values and introduces the astronomy and mathematics theme. Future episodes will trace how Islamic civilisation advanced many sciences and preserved this legacy for later generations.

The series is produced by Emirati teams at the Centre using artificial intelligence tools for design and production. These techniques support efficient, high‑quality episodes and help present the core ideas clearly. A narrator character representing Emirati identity guides viewers through scenes that blend past settings with present‑day storytelling.

Within the Dome of Peace, visitors also experience the 360‑degree "Diya" installation, which uses sound and light for an immersive sensory encounter. Together with the Light & Peace Museum, these experiences give a broad view of Islamic civilisation’s cultural, scientific, and artistic achievements, while using modern technology to engage diverse audiences.

The Centre noted that the "Contributions of Muslim Scholars" exhibition forms part of a wider programme of permanent and temporary shows that encourage cultural dialogue at the Mosque. Previous exhibitions include "Hajj: A Journey in Memory", "Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation", and "Islamic Coins: A History Unveiled", each highlighting different aspects of Islamic history.

The Mosque plans to introduce new scientific themes within the exhibition in coming periods. These future stages will examine how Islamic culture supported a wider scientific awakening whose impact continues worldwide. By updating the content, the Centre aims to keep the initiative relevant for repeat visitors and researchers.

Visits to the "Contributions of Muslim Scholars" exhibition follow the Mosque’s official visiting hours. Saturday to Thursday, entry is available from 9:00am to 9:00pm. On Fridays, visiting is possible from 9:00am to 12:00pm, then from 3:00pm to 9:00pm, allowing both residents and tourists flexible access.

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The Centre stated that visitors can check the programme of events and related activities through its website, www.szgmc.gov.ae, and via its Instagram platform, @szgmc_ae. Through these combined efforts, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continues to present Islamic civilisation’s scientific heritage in formats accessible to varied audiences in the UAE and beyond.

With inputs from WAM