Welcome to the Medina Institute Annual Opening Lecture, a cherished tradition that marks the beginning of our academic year. This event brings together students, faculty, alumni, and guests to reflect on the purpose of sacred knowledge and to set the tone for the year ahead. We are honored to have you with us as we embark on another year of meaningful study and shared inspiration.
As we open the academic year 2025–2026, we are pleased to announce that the Annual Opening Lecture will be delivered by Shaykh Prof. Dr. Hasan Abunar (see more below).
His lecture, titled: “Knowledge as Light in Times of Darkness: Ṭalab al-ʿIlm (Seeking Knowledge) Amidst Trials.” will take place online (via ZOOM) on Saturday, the 30th of August 2025 at 21:00 (Netherlands time).
In this timely and thought-provoking talk, Shaykh Prof. Dr. Hasan Abunar will explore the role of sacred knowledge in navigating personal and collective challenges, reminding us of the timeless light it offers in moments of uncertainty.
We warmly invite you to join us for this special gathering of reflection and renewal.
Register now!
Shaykh Prof. Dr. Hasan Ahmad Salāmah Abunar is a current Dean and Professor of Qur’anic and Islamic Sciences at a Higher Institute for Islamic Education based in New York, USA. He is a scholar specialized in Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr) and Qur’anic recitation sciences (qirā’āt). He is also blessed by Allah – Ta’ala – to be one of the Imams of al-Masjid al-Aqsa al-Mubarak in al-Quds, Palestine.
Academic Background
Shaykh Prof. Dr. Hasan Abunar studied at various universities in the Islamic world including Jordan and Sudan. He holds the following
– BA: Sharī’ah, Jordan University
– MA: ‘Ulūm al-Qur’ān, Jordan University
– PhD on the subject of Tafsīr – al-Qur’ān al-Karīm University, Umm Durman, Sudan
Studies with the Qur’an
He has memorized the entire Qur’ān with tajwīd and holds a very high sanad in the ten Qira’āt, linking back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through renowned mashayikh. He has participated in numerous international Qur’an competitions:
• 1988 – 1st Place, National Qur’an Competition, Jordan
• 1989 – Represented Jordan in the Makkah Qur’an Competition and was selected as Best Qari
• 2010 – Selected as one of five global judges for the Dubai International Qur’an Competition
Published Works
Shaykh Prof. Dr. Hasan Abunar is the author of several works, including:
تحقيق الأنواع من الثامن عشر حتى نهاية النوع الثامن و الثلاثين من كتاب الاتقان في علوم القرآن للسيوطي
تفسير سورة الأعراف : دراسة تحليلية وموضوعية
