Award highlights Islamic scholarship, Arabic heritage, and global scientific excellence

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The King Faisal Prize is set to announce its 2026 laureates on Wednesday in Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The prestigious award is recognised across the Islamic world for honouring outstanding contributions to Islam, Arabic culture, and human knowledge.

Ahead of the announcement, specialised selection committees for the prize’s four main categories—Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Literature, Medicine, and Science—began meetings at the King Faisal Prize headquarters. The meetings are scheduled to continue until January 7.

The committee responsible for selecting the laureate for the Service to Islam award is being chaired by Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz. The category is regarded as one of the most significant honours, recognising individuals who have rendered exceptional service to Islam and Muslims.

For the 48th session of the prize, the Islamic Studies category focuses on “Trade Routes in the Islamic World,” highlighting the historical role of Muslims in global commerce and cultural exchange. The Arabic Language and Literature category will examine “Arabic Literature in French,” reflecting the spread and influence of Arabic thought beyond the Muslim world.

In the scientific fields, the Medicine category centres on “Discoveries Transforming Obesity Therapeutics,” while the Science category focuses on “Mathematics.” These themes underline the prize’s commitment to promoting knowledge that benefits humanity alongside Islamic and cultural scholarship.

The Service to Islam prize is an honorary award given to individuals whose intellectual, scientific, or social efforts have significantly served Islam and Muslim communities. Such contributions may include impactful writings, initiatives, programmes, or projects that promote Islamic values and human development.

Nominations for the prize are submitted by universities, research centres, scientific institutions, and language councils. Nominees must be living, and their work must be published, credible, and beneficial to knowledge advancement. This year’s selection committees include scholars and experts from different countries, meeting in Riyadh to ensure a fair, transparent, and objective selection process.

Source: Arab News