29 Apr. 24: In a prestigious ceremony held in Riyadh under the auspices of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the King Faisal Prize for the year 2024 honored exceptional individuals and organizations for their remarkable contributions to various fields.
The King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam distinguished itself by recognizing the Japan Muslim Association for its tireless efforts in promoting understanding and tolerance of Islam in Japanese society. Founded in 1952 as the “Society of Muslim Friends,” the association has been dedicated to serving Muslims in Japan, defending their interests, and educating Muslim youth about their religion and culture. Notably, the association’s historic translation of the Holy Quran into Japanese in 1972 stands as a testament to its commitment to spreading the message of Islam in Japan.
Additionally, the esteemed intellectual Mr. Mohammed El Sammak was honored alongside the Japan Muslim Association for his significant contributions to the service of Islam. His advocacy for Islamic values and principles has had a profound impact on fostering dialogue and understanding within Muslim communities.
In the realm of Islamic Studies, Professor Wael Hallaq, a distinguished scholar at Columbia University, was awarded the King Faisal Prize for his groundbreaking work in challenging traditional interpretations of Islamic texts. His advocacy against the notion of closed gates of ijtihad has reshaped paradigms in Islamic jurisprudence and earned him global recognition.
Moreover, the fields of medicine and science were also celebrated, with Dr. Jerry Roy Mendell and Dr. Howard Yuan-Hao Chang being honored for their groundbreaking contributions to genetic therapy for neuromuscular diseases and RNA discoveries, respectively.
Each laureate of the King Faisal Prize received a generous endowment of $200,000, along with a 24-carat gold medal and a certificate commemorating their outstanding achievements.
The King Faisal Prize, established in 1977, continues to uphold its tradition of honoring individuals and institutions that have made distinguished contributions to various sciences and causes, furthering the legacy of King Faisal’s commitment to knowledge and progress.
