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.