The Islamic civilisation stands out among other civilisations for its unique continuity and development.

Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor at the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, affirmed that the Islamic civilisation stands out among other civilisations for its unique continuity and development. It has never been merely a historical legacy; rather, it has consistently preserved knowledge and sciences while adapting to evolving circumstances across different eras. This has established a humanistic and civilizational approach that has contributed to strengthening the values of knowledge, ethics, and development, while underscoring the importance of safeguarding this civilizational and spiritual heritage.

He made these remarks during his address, on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, as part of the International Forum “Islamic Civilization: Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid explained that the forum serves as an international platform to highlight the rich scientific, intellectual, and cultural legacy of the Islamic civilization, which has contributed over centuries to serving humanity and promoting the values of moderation, tolerance, and openness. He added that preserving and transmitting the Islamic heritage to future generations is a shared responsibility that requires strengthening cooperation among religious, scientific, and cultural institutions.

He noted that the Islamic civilization is a civilization of knowledge and intellectual endeavor; it has never embraced stagnation that hinders the understanding of texts. It is founded on interpreting the Quran and Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of the early generations of Islam, while taking into account contemporary realities and fulfilling the objectives of Sharia.

He emphasized that the Islamic civilization does not fear beneficial progress nor oppose modern means, but rather evaluates them through the framework and objectives of Sharia.
The Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and to the participants in the forum. He also highlighted the depth of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, as well as their ongoing cooperation in advancing shared cultural and civilizational causes.

Earlier, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, accompanied Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid on a tour of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent to explore its sections, pavilions, and collection of manuscripts, documents, and rare historical artifacts, as well as its distinctive architectural design and modern display technologies, which present the Islamic civilization in a way that blends authenticity with modernity.