As part of its staunch efforts to cement Islamic values and foster public awareness of the importance of protecting minds from extremism, the Forum for Intellectual Security in Islam at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, University of Sharjah, recently held an academic symposium titled “The Sustainability of Knowledge Security.” The event united luminaries such as Dr. Abdullah Belheif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council, alongside university officials, faculty, researchers, and students hailing from diverse disciplines.

The symposium set out with clear objectives: to instill in students and the wider community an appreciation for intellectual security within Islamic principles, to promote the values of tolerance, coexistence, and intellectual moderation, and to marshal efforts against ideologies of extremism. By weaving together state institutions and research centers, organizers underscored their commitment to rooting legal and ethical foundations for intellectual security, all while benchmarking with the academic prowess found across the Arab world. Their vision aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s steadfast principles of promoting tolerance, moderation, and renouncing violence and hatred, while empowering students through thought-provoking research and essential life skills development.

The proceedings opened with a stirring address from Professor Qutb Al-Raisouni, Dean of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies. He highlighted the forum’s tradition of regularly hosting lectures, workshops, and conferences that grapple with themes pivotal to shielding youth from radical ideologies. Professor Rissouni stressed that intellectual security forms the backbone of sustainable social development, and a major factor in preserving both the cultural and religious identity of any community and in guaranteeing a more tolerant and stable future for generations ahead.

Dr. Abdulrahman Abdullatif, Director of the Forum, spoke next, framing the event as a direct manifestation of the University of Sharjah’s mission to advance scientific inquiry and cultivate a safe intellectual environment that is conducive to empowering and educating individuals ready to serve both nation and society. According to Dr. Abdullatif, the symposium stands as an open arena for dialogue among academics and experts, advancing the cause of moderation and balance.

The keynote was delivered by Dr. Abdullah Belheif Al Nuaimi, who delved into the importance of locally producing and protecting knowledge from intrusive, incompatible minds that seek to disrupt communal values and traditions. He spotlighted universities and educational institutions as pivotal drivers in generating and disseminating safe knowledge, while also emphasizing the responsibility held by national media to nourish society with sound ideas. Dr. Al Nuaimi called for the creation of a national observatory to monitor deviant ideologies, lauded scientific research’s role in universities as a remedy, and urged a coordinated national response to protect society from all forms of extremism.

The event concluded with Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, honoring Dr. Al Nuaimi and Dr. Mahdi Qais Al-Janabi, Associate Professor in the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies and former director of the forum. Their distinguished contributions were recognized as instrumental in steering the forum and empowering its academic mission.