Tashkent: The tradition of Islamic civilisation demonstrates that religion and science can coexist harmoniously in advancing knowledge, stated Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Her Majesty emphasized that while modern history often depicts religion and science as being in conflict, the Islamic tradition offers a different perspective.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Her Majesty delivered a royal address at the opening of the Royal Conference 'Tradition of Science in Islamic Civilisation: Sources, Potential and Challenges' at the Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In her address, Queen Zarith Sofiah highlighted that Islamic civilisation has historically integrated intellect with revelation, welcomed research while upholding moral values, and explored new discoveries without losing sight of wisdom.
She noted the challenges of contemporary times, which include the need to appreciate inherited knowledge and foster an environment conducive to meaningful intellectual development. The Queen remarked on the rapid pace of information and the necessity for judgement and discernment to keep pace, stressing the importance of institutions growing in depth and maintaining clarity of purpose.
In a separate statement, Her Majesty underscored the importance of educational and research collaboration between Malaysia and Uzbekistan for fostering intellectual growth. She reflected on the longstanding connection between the two countries through the dissemination of knowledge, emphasizing that Islamic civilisation has thrived across regions through travel, translation, and mutual respect for knowledge.
Queen Zarith Sofiah expressed that the collaboration between Malaysia and Uzbekistan at the conference signifies a commitment to knowledge preservation and renewal. She highlighted the historical significance of Uzbekistan as a centre of Islamic scholarship, with figures such as Imam al-Bukhari and al-Biruni symbolizing rigorous and dignified pursuit of knowledge.
The Queen was accompanied to the conference by Malaysia's Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias, and was received by Uzbekistan's Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Kongratbay Avezimbetovich Sharipov.
The Royal Conference was jointly organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the International Centre of Islamic Civilisation Tashkent, featuring the attendance of Malaysian educational leaders and the exchange of memoranda of understanding between UTM and Uzbek agencies. Her Majesty also observed the handover of 20,000 copies of the Quran from Nasyrul Quran to the Uzbekistan Waqf Board.