His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah, inaugurated the Functional Exegesis of the Quran: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Implementations, an international conference organized by the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at the University of Sharjah. This inspiring event took place in the Al-Razi Hall at the Medical and Health Sciences Colleges Complex on the university campus.

The conference commenced with the national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. To open the proceedings of the conference, His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah delivered a speech welcoming Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah and conference guests, noting that His Highness's generous patronage of all university activities has enabled the institution to successfully pursue its academic and scientific mission.

Prof. Al Naimiy emphasized the importance of the conference and its objectives in serving scientific research, noting that the University of Sharjah is strategically focused on organizing international conferences on relevant topics that address current realities, contribute to shaping a better future for humanity, and examine cultural impacts.

Prof. Al Naimiy also highlighted the institution's prestigious standing and advanced world and regional rankings, stating, "In the global university rankings, the University of Sharjah ranked 67th globally and first locally in sustainability, and also ranked 53rd globally and first locally in the quality of scientific research. These achievements would not have been possible without the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, who has consistently provided us with the support and guidance needed to achieve our goals." He concluded by thanking the conference sponsors, guests, and distinguished scholars from various countries for their participation.

Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor to the Saudi Royal Court and Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, delivered a speech praising the conference's theme, which focuses on the purposes of the Quran as rooted in monotheism, devotion, the moral values of justice and mercy, and the preservation of human dignity. He noted that these purposes are manifested in protecting the five essentials established by Islam and in the elevation and purification of the soul.

The Imam emphasized the importance of diligent study of the Holy Qur’an and specializing in its sciences, emphasizing the need to delve deeply into its objectives. He explained that these objectives reveal the true essence and message of Islam, guide us to its meanings and values, and illuminate its secrets and ultimate purposes. He clarified that the term functional exegesis of the Qur’an refers to the careful study of the aims for which the Qur’an was revealed; namely, to surrender to Allah and secure the well-being of humanity in both this life and the hereafter.

For his part, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Al-Dhuwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar Mosque in Egypt, delivered a speech in which he expounded on scholars’ efforts in exploring the objectives of the Holy Qur’an, interpreting its meanings, and reflecting upon them. He stated that the matters that lie at the heart of the objectives of the teaching of the Qur’an are mostly revealed through the major issues and broad themes addressed by its verses. However, he explained that the true objectives lie beyond these topics, namely, the ultimate purposes and goals for which the Qur’an was revealed. He emphasized that combining ta’sil (deep understanding and grounding of these objectives or functional exegesis) with taf‘il (effective application of them) is the key to reviving the message of the Holy Qur’an. He emphasized that the continuous recitation of the Qur’an serves as a reminder that we are a nation with a rich history and a firmly rooted identity: strong and unshakable like towering mountains. Its verses call us back to the moral values we are meant to uphold, and its commands remind us that we are a nation founded on knowledge and action.

At the end of the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honored the keynote speakers and conference sponsors from various institutions. The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Omar Habtoor Al-Dir'i, Head of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor to the Saudi Royal Court, Dr. Khalifa Musbah Al-Tunaiji, Head of the Holy Quran Complex in Sharjah, Dr. Mansour Mohammed bin Nassar, Head of the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah, His Excelency Jamal Salem Al- Tarifi, President of Al-Qasimia University, Abdullah Khalifa Al-Sabousi, Head of the Department of Islamic Affairs, and a number of senior officials and scholars from within and outside the country.