Scholars, researchers, and members of the public gathered on Sunday, 29th September 2024, at the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah for the collaborative symposium, ‘In the Footsteps of Faith: Bridging Science and Spirituality in the Wisdom of the Quran’.
The event aimed to delve into the connections between scientific knowledge and spiritual wisdom as derived from the Quran.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Haji Awang Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Ahmad, Director of Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, and was followed by a speech from Dr. Haji Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
Moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Emin Poljarevic, Deputy Director of the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre of Islamic Studies at UBD, the symposium featured four insightful presentations by distinguished speakers. Dr. Md Aminul Islam, Associate Professor at UBD’s Faculty of Science, discussed the topic “Geology and Quran: Exploring the Intersection of Science and Faith.”
This was followed by Dr. Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Ahmad, Senior Assistant Professor at UBD’s Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Research, who presented on “Plants Mentioned in the Quran: A Reflection of Quranic References in Light of Current Scientific Knowledge.” Professor Dr. Hamzah bin Mohd Salleh, Head of Graduate Programme at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, emphasized the importance of integrating virtues and morality in education for a sustainable future. Lastly, Haji Muhammad Ruzaini bin Haji Mohd Daud, Archaeology Officer at Balai Khazanah Islam, highlighted the “Manifestation of Natural Resources through Innovation and Creativity.”
Following the presentations, participants engaged in a dynamic Q&A session, which touched on various themes, including the relevance of Quranic teachings in contemporary scientific discussions and the ethical aspects of sustainable development.
At the end of the event, Dr. Haji Awang Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Ahmad presented tokens of appreciation to the speakers and moderators. This was followed by Dr. Haji Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, who presented certificates of appreciation to the speakers, moderators, and rapporteurs for their contributions to the symposium.
The event concluded with a tour of the nine galleries at Balai Khazanah Islam, providing attendees with an opportunity to explore Brunei’s rich Islamic heritage.
The symposium successfully bridged the gap between science and spirituality, offering thought-provoking insights that left attendees inspired and engaged.
