Professor Dr. Wasan Hussein Muhaimid, a faculty member in the Department of Human Studies at the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage, has published a scholarly article entitled (Cities of Iraq in the Lectures of Yousif Rizqallah Ghanima) in Najm Al-Mashriq Journal, Issue No. (124), Thirty-first Year, Fourth Issue for 2025. This publication comes as part of her ongoing research efforts in the fields of humanities and historical studies
Under the patronage of the Office of the President of the University of Baghdad, the eleventh meeting of the liaison officers of the University of Baghdad Museum was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at in Dr. Mahdi Hantoosh Hall, College of Engineering. The meeting witnessed the participation of Ms. Enas Gharib Mousa, the museum liaison officer at our Center, as part of the Center’s efforts to strengthen institutional communication and actively engage in activities related to museum and cultural affairs at the University of Baghdad. This meeting comes within the framework of supporting the work of the University of Baghdad Museum and coordinating efforts among liaison officers in a manner that contributes to the development of museum work and enhances its academic and cultural role.
Heritage Revival Center Launches an Awareness Campaign on the Dangers of Irregular Migration
Following the directives of the Department of Media and Government Communication / University of Baghdad Presidency, the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage initiated an awareness campaign that included the distribution of brochures, pamphlets, and posters highlighting the dangers of irregular migration to a number of university students across the halls and colleges of the University of Baghdad. The campaign provided students with educational explanations about the causes of irregular migration and its negative impacts on both individuals and society. It also addressed the associated legal and humanitarian risks, while emphasizing the importance of community awareness and the role of academic institutions in reducing this phenomenon. This initiative comes as part of efforts to strengthen social responsibility and promote an awareness culture among students, contributing to the development of a conscious youth capable of confronting contemporary challenges.
Heritage Revival Center Organizes a Lecture on the Quran’s Approach to Strengthening Faith: A Study in Gradual Spiritual Development
As part of its distinguished activities commemorating the National Quran Day, the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad held, on Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., a religious workshop entitled “The Gradual Approach of the Quran in Islamic Creed.” The lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Anas Issam Ismail, a faculty member at the Center. He spoke about the Islamic creed and the revelation of the Quran, emphasizing that, as is well-known to specialists in Islamic sciences, Islamic rulings and guidance were not revealed all at once but were revealed gradually, taking into account the circumstances of people and their readiness to receive them. One prominent example is the prohibition of alcohol, which was not forbidden immediately. It was first introduced by highlighting its harms, then prohibited during prayer times, and finally subjected to a complete prohibition. This principle illustrates that gradual guidance in the Quran applies not only to jurisprudential rulings but also to the establishment of Islamic belief. By tracing Quranic verses according to the order of revelation, one observes that issues of creed are presented sequentially and gradually, corresponding to the development of faith within individuals. For instance, in the early stages of revelation, the concept of divine oversight is established, as in the verse: “Indeed, Allah has been ever, over you, an Observer” (Quran). The discourse then progresses to affirming the perfection of Allah’s attributes, as in: “Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing,” and subsequently to the affirmation of His precise knowledge of hidden thoughts, as in: “And We know whatever his soul whispers to him.” Thus, it becomes clear that the Quran employs a wise and gradual method to instill faith, taking human nature into account and preparing hearts and minds to comprehend the truths of belief step by step, until the creed is firmly established in the hearts of believers.
Heritage Revival Center Holds a Weekly Religious and Cultural Program in Celebration of the National Quran Day
As part of a series of religious activities organized in observance of the World Week of the National Quran Day, the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad held, on Monday morning, January 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in Professor Nabila Abdul Munim Dawood Hall, a workshop entitled “The Religious Significance of the Quran in China: A Historical Perspective” delivered by Dr. Liqaa Shaker Al-Sharifi, a faculty member at the Center.
The researcher addressed the religious status of the Quran among Muslims in China, noting that since the arrival of Islam in the country in the 7th century CE, the Quran has served as a spiritual and cultural reference, preserving the identity of Muslims within a multi-cultural society. With the arrival of Muslim traders and scholars during the Tang Dynasty, the Quran became the foundation of religious education in mosques and traditional schools.
Over the centuries, the Quran played a key role in unifying Chinese Muslims and instilling ethical and religious values among them, despite the political and social challenges they faced. Early attempts were also made in China to translate its meanings into Chinese to facilitate understanding and to relate its teachings to the local cultural context. The workshop included examples of Quranic manuscripts and ancient Chinese translations that illustrated these aspects.
In the modern era, the Quran continues to serve as a symbol of religious steadfastness and the preservation of Islamic identity. Dr. Al-Sharifi emphasized that its presence in China is not merely a ritual practice but represents a historical continuity reflecting the interaction of Islam with Chinese civilization over many centuries.
Heritage Revival Center Organizes a Workshop on the Occasion of the National Quran Day
The Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad organized, on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, as part of a series of activities held from January 17 to 22 in celebration of the National Quran Day, a workshop entitled “The Relationship between Quranic Recitations and the Quranic Script.” The lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Taha Sabti Ibrahim, a faculty member at the Center. The close relationship between Quranic recitations (qirā’āt) and the Quranic script (rasm) is evident in the fact that one of the main conditions for accepting a recitation is its conformity with the Uthmanic script of one of the revered Mushafs, even if only potentially. Since the Quran has historically been referred to by two primary names—al-Qur’ān and al-Kitāb—this lecture highlighted the direct connection between these terms. Quranic recitations fall under the concept of the Quran as a text meant for recitation and worship, while the Quranic script is associated with the concept of the Book as a written text preserved in the Mushafs. This workshop aimed to deepen the understanding of the interrelation between the oral and written dimensions of the Quran and to underscore its significance in Islamic scholarship and devotion
Conclusion of the Training Course on Editing and Preserving Arabic Manuscripts at the Heritage Revival Center
The Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad concluded its specialized manuscript course entitled “Editing and Preserving Arabic Manuscripts,” held from January 11 to 14, in cooperation with the Continuing Education Center at the University of Baghdad. The course aimed to develop the skills of researchers and enthusiasts in the field of Arabic manuscript editing, introducing the scientific and methodological foundations used in verifying and preserving heritage texts, thereby contributing to supporting scholarly research and safeguarding the Arab scientific heritage. The course included the presentation of several specialized research papers. Professor Dr. Zainab Kamel Karim, a faculty member at the Center, presented a paper entitled “Fundamentals of Manuscript Editing.” Dr. Liqaa Amer Ashour, also a faculty member at the Center, presented “Manuscript Cataloging and Its Role in Supporting Research and Text Verification.” Dr. Sundus Zaidan Khalaf contributed a paper titled “Introduction to Textual Verification,” while Assistant Professor Dr. Nihal Ni‘ma Majid from the Department of History, College of Education for Women, presented “Challenges in Manuscript Editing,” discussing the major difficulties faced by researchers in this field.
At the conclusion of the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Iman Saleh Mahdi presented a paper entitled “Critiquing Manuscript Editing,” emphasizing the importance of rigorous scientific review in manuscript verification processes. The course concluded with a final assessment exam to evaluate the participants’ level of learning and the achievement of the course’s educational objectives. Ms. Fatima Mohammed Ali, the liaison officer for the course, played an active role in organizational and administrative matters, supervising and following up on all technical aspects, which contributed to the successful completion of the course. The Heritage Revival Center affirmed at the conclusion of the course its commitment to continuing the organization of future training courses and workshops dedicated to Arab scientific heritage and manuscript editing, in support of researchers and in reinforcement of the University’s academic and cultural role.
In line with the directives of the University of Baghdad’s administration to enhance the cultural and environmental appearance of university institutions, a number of male staff members at the Center participated in a comprehensive cleaning campaign for the corridors and surrounding areas of the Center. This initiative aims to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the premises and to create a proper work environment that reflects a spirit of cooperation and institutional belonging, while providing a healthy and clean atmosphere for all staff and employees. The Center’s administration affirmed its continued support for such initiatives, which contribute to improving the overall appearance and promoting a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility.
The Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad held a scientific symposium on Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, entitled “Art and Craftsmanship in Arabic and Islamic Manuscripts between Protection and Ornamentation.” The symposium was attended by a number of professors, researchers, and individuals interested in manuscripts and heritage, and was held in Professor Nabila Abdul Munim Dawood Hall at the Center. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Zainab Kamel Karim, Head of the Manuscripts Department at the Center, who emphasized in her opening remarks the importance of manuscripts as a civilizational and intellectual testimony reflecting the development of sciences and arts in Arab and Islamic civilization, and the necessity of balancing their protection and preservation on the one hand with highlighting their aesthetic and artistic value on the other.
The symposium commenced with a lecture by Ms. Muna Naji Abbas from the Ministry of Culture / Iraqi Manuscripts House. Her research paper, entitled “Ornamented Manuscripts between Definition and Care: Selected Holdings of the Iraqi Manuscripts House as a Model,” addressed the artistic and technical aspects of manuscripts, methods of decoration and illumination, and the role these elements play in preserving manuscripts and presenting them simultaneously as artistic and historical artifacts. Dr. Nihal Ni‘ma Majid from the College of Education for Women at the University of Baghdad also participated with a paper entitled “Papermaking in Islamic Heritage,” in which she highlighted the role of manuscripts in documenting history and transmitting knowledge across the ages, as well as the mastery involved in selecting and producing paper.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sundus Zaidan Khalaf, a faculty member at the Center, presented her research paper entitled “The Craft of Inks and Types of Writing Media,” discussing the importance of modern techniques in protecting and conserving manuscripts while preserving their authenticity and heritage value, as well as the selection of manuscript colors and the symbols used by scribes. The symposium included a visual presentation showcasing selected examples of Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, highlighting their artistic and intellectual richness and their great importance in the study of history, science, and the arts. The symposium concluded with fruitful scholarly discussions between the attendees and speakers, collectively emphasizing the need to intensify scientific and institutional efforts to preserve Arabic and Islamic manuscripts as an invaluable human heritage and a bridge connecting the past with the present, safeguarding the nation’s identity for future generations.
Celebrating a Distinguished Academic Career at the Heritage Revival Center
In a gesture of loyalty and appreciation for a distinguished academic and administrative career rich in dedication and achievement, the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad honored Professor Dr. Alaa Nafi, the former Director of the Center, on the occasion of her retirement. This recognition comes in appreciation of her outstanding efforts and the valuable scientific and administrative contributions she made, which had a significant impact on developing the Center’s work and advancing its academic mission.
The honoring ceremony was conducted by Professor Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Heritage, who praised in his speech her prominent role, sincerity, and dedication in performing her duties. He emphasized that her contributions and imprint will remain present in the Center’s journey and achievements.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the staff of the Center expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Professor Dr. Alaa Nafi, wishing her continued health and well-being, and a happy retirement filled with comfort, success, and ongoing fulfillment.
Heritage Revival Center Organizes a Seminar “Types of Interpretation by the Close (Associated) Meaning.”
The Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad organized a seminar on Monday morning, January 12, 2026,., entitled “Types of Interpretation by the Close Meaning.” The seminar was attended by a number of researchers and academics and was held in Professor Nabila Abdul Munim Dawood Hall. The lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Taha Sabti Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Pure Sciences at the Center.
The lecturer explained that interpretation by the close meaning refers to explaining a word or a verse through a meaning that is related to the original meaning by implication, by a part of it, or by example (type). He then outlined the types of interpretation by the close meaning, beginning with interpretation by implication (al-lāzim), in which the derived meaning is not directly indicated by the wording but is necessarily entailed by it, both rationally and customarily—just as writing necessarily implies the existence of a writer. An example of this is interpreting the word “tadḥā” as “to sweat” in the verse: “And you will not suffer therein from thirst, nor from exposure to the sun” (Surat Ṭā Hā, verse 119). Commentators have offered two explanations for its meaning: first, that one will not be exposed to the sun and thus harmed by its heat; and second, that one will not sweat. Sweating is a natural consequence of exposure to harmful sunlight.
The researcher further clarified interpretation by part, which occurs when the exegete mentions only a part of the meaning that a word may carry in order to indicate the remaining meanings. An example is interpreting “the sacred ordinances of Allah” as the rituals in the verse: “That is so. And whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah—it is best for him in the sight of his Lord” (Surat al-Ḥajj, verse 30). If “the sacred ordinances” are understood to mean everything that is inviolable, this represents interpretation by the original meaning; however, if they are understood as the rituals of Hajj, this constitutes interpretation by part of the meaning, since the rituals are one aspect of what must not be violated.
Finally, the lecturer referred to interpretation by example (type), in which the exegete mentions a specific example or type of the word’s meaning, such as interpreting the word “their imam” as the Book, the Prophet, or deeds in the verse: “On the Day We will call every people by their imam. Then whoever is given his record in his right hand—those will read their records, and they will not be wronged even as much as a thread” (Surat al-Isrā’, verse 71). In this verse, “imam” may refer to their Book, their Prophet, the leader of their era, or their deeds; each of these interpretations represents a type and an example of the original meaning
The Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad organized a workshop on Sunday morning, January 11, 2026entitled “Instilling the Principles of Integrity and Responsibility in the Workplace.” The workshop was attended by a number of professors, researchers, and individuals interested in institutional and developmental affairs. The session was chaired by Mr. Fares Issa Fares, Director of Administration, and the lecture was delivered by Assistant Lecturer Ali Yassin Samin, a faculty member at the Center.The workshop aimed to promote the values of professional integrity and a sense of individual and collective responsibility, and to highlight the role of these values in building a positive and productive work environment that contributes to improving institutional performance and reinforcing a culture of commitment and integrity. The workshop focused on several key themes, most notably the concept of integrity and responsibility in the workplace from ethical and professional perspectives, the impact of integrity-based professional conduct on institutional success, as well as the presentation of practical models and applied methods for instilling these values in various work environments. The workshop witnessed interactive discussions and scholarly contributions from the attendees, which enriched its themes and facilitated the exchange of experiences and expertise. Participants emphasized the importance of continuing to organize such workshops that strengthen human and professional values within society. The organization of this workshop comes as part of the administrative efforts of the Center for the Revival of Heritage to support ethical and intellectual development and to contribute to building cadres that are aware of the importance of ethics and responsibility across various fields of work
