Two Waqfs for integral chairs on the legacy of Imam Al Ghazali and Imam Fakhr Al Din Al Razi were launched on Tuesday at a Royal Court ceremony under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah and in the presence of Royal Family members, Islamic figures and Muslim scholars from various countries.
The King Abdullah II ibn al-Hussein Waqf for the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Fakhr Al Din Al Razi’s Work at the King Hussein bin Talal Mosque, University of Jordan and World Islamic Sciences and Education (WISE) University, and the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Waqf for the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Al Ghazali's Work at the Holy Al Aqsa Mosque and Al Quds University were a present to the Islamic Ummah on the occasion of His Majesty’s 50th birthday.
The endowments are meant to revive scholarly Waqfs and their pioneering role in education as part of an initiative by the Royal Aal al Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought.
The King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Waqf for the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Al Ghazali's Work at the Holy Al Aqsa Mosque and Al Quds University aims to reinvigorate the ancient tradition of scholarly work at Al Aqsa Mosque and provide both scientific and spiritual support to those who are defending Jerusalem and its identity, through dedicated scholarly work and studies.
The Chair will be in charge of selecting students, offering scholarships - one Master and one PhD - and awarding the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Prize for the Study of Imam Al Ghazali’s Scholarly Legacy.
The amount endowed to fulfill the purposes of this Waqf is JD2 million.
Under this Waqf, three boards will be established: A board of trustees, a board of the Integral Al Ghazali Chair, as well as an investment and financial board, which will supervise the investment and financial development of the Waqf jointly with the General “Mutawalli” (“Overseer”) as stipulated in the Law of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, which is the Higher Awqaf Council.
This Waqf will be certified and its title will be inscribed on a marble plaque on a hallway at Al Aqsa Mosque.
The Ghazali Waqf is considered a first-of-its kind as it is an educational endowment associated with Al Aqsa Mosque, signifying the Hashemite legacy in Jerusalem and His Majesty’s role in the Holy City, continuing the pioneering role the Hashemites have historically played in preserving Holy Places.
The choice of Imam Al Ghazali, who devoted himself to worship and study during his stay in Jerusalem, where he started writing his iconic book “Ihya ‘Ulum Al Din” (“The Revival of Religious Sciences”), emphasises the genuine approach of moderation and respect and its role in guiding the nation and elevating its status amongst civilisations.
The Chair of The King Abdullah II ibn al-Hussein Waqf for the Study of Imam Fakhr Al Din Al Razi’s Work at the King Hussein bin Talal Mosque, the University of Jordan and WISE University will be in charge of selecting students, offering scholarships - one Master degree and one PhD - and awarding the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Prize for the Study of Imam Al Razi’s Scholarly Legacy.
The amount endowed to fulfill the purposes of this Waqf is JD2 million, deposited in an Islamic bank. The bank holding the deposited amount endowed for the Chair and the Prize is committed to investing the amount and its returns.
Under this Waqf, three boards will be established: A board of trustees, a board of the Integral Al Razi Chair, and an investment and financial board, which supervises the investment and the financial development of the Waqf jointly with the General “Mutawalli” (“Overseer”), as stipulated in the Law of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, which is the Higher Awqaf Council.
The choice of Imam Al Razi pays tribute to His Majesty the late King Hussein’s lifelong devotion to the Holy Qur'an, as Al Razi was arguably the most authoritative theologian in Islam. A jurist, exegete, Sufi and polymath, Al Razi authored over 100 books on subjects as diverse as Qur’anic exegesis, theology, jurisprudence, mathematics, medicine, law and philology. The jewel in his oeuvre is generally considered the seminal “Mafatih Al Ghayb” (“Keys to the Unknown”).
Each integral chair enjoys administrative, financial and academic independence. A multi-lingual full professor, with widely recognised and demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of the Holy Qur’an, will be employed to teach and develop research at each integral chair. Applicants should be ready to demonstrate life-long commitment to the chair. These pioneering scholarly initiatives envisage engagement with academic institutions, post-graduate programmes and annual research prizes for competitors from the entire world.
Commenting on the two Waqfs, Royal Aal al Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought Director General Minwer Mheid stressed their importance in enhancing Islamic thought, legacy and research, adding that they will help support scholars in this regard.
In remarks at the signing ceremony, the head of Al Quds Waqf Council, Sheikh Abdel Azeem Salhab, voiced appreciation to His Majesty for launching the two waqfs, stressing their importance in supporting researchers in the field of Islamic studies. Sheikh Salhab referred to King Abdullah’s relentless efforts in defending Jerusalem and its Holy Sites, noting that the two Waqfs will support Islamic thought and enrich Islamic civilisation.
Echoing similar remarks, Al Quds University President Sari Nusaibah said the Ghazali Waqf will help revive religious sciences in the Holy City of Jerusalem, which is in dire need of support on all levels.
For his part, University of Jordan President Adel Tweisi said the two Waqfs will enhance the Ummah's position in standing up to the intellectual threats it is facing. "This great initiative will help showcase the bright image of Islam and will enhance the Ummah’s intellectual security by protecting it from intellectual threats," said Tweisi, stressing the importance of the two Waqfs in supporting scientific research.