Praise be to Allah who taught by the pen and taught mankind what they did not know. May blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the leader of the righteous and a mercy to the worlds, and upon his family, his noble companions, and those who follow their guidance until the Day of Judgment.
Universities today are witnessing remarkable progress and healthy competition in establishing and supporting research chairs. These chairs play a pioneering role in scientific advancement and human development, and they represent an important model of cooperation and integration between universities and various national institutions.
The field of Hisbah, praise be to Allah, has received significant attention within this framework. Hisbah represents one of the fundamental principles in Islamic governance and social responsibility, as emphasized by Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (may Allah have mercy on him). It is also one of the noble characteristics of this nation, as stated in the words of Allah Almighty:
"You are the best nation produced for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah."
(Qur'an, Al-Imran: 110)
From this perspective, the Research Chair on Women's Issues and Hisbah was established through cooperation and partnership between the General Presidency for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice and the University of Ha'il, which hosts this chair. The chair aims to be one of the scientific and developmental contributors that support the performance of this important Islamic principle that has distinguished the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia throughout its history.
The establishment of such research chairs also reflects the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to support knowledge, promote scientific research, and facilitate its advancement in every possible way. Many research chairs have been honored to bear his name and receive his generous support, which demonstrates his commitment to promoting knowledge and supporting the issues of Islam and Muslims.
This chair carries an important mission that focuses on strengthening scientific research in various Hisbah fields related to women's issues, as well as developing the professional performance of those working in Hisbah in order to address women-related issues effectively and appropriately.
Through this mission, the Chair aims to achieve several objectives, including:
- Highlighting the distinguished status and contributions of women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Enriching knowledge and promoting scientific research in the fields of women's issues and Hisbah.
- Preserving the positive values and behaviors that characterize women in Saudi society.
- Identifying negative practices and social phenomena related to women and proposing appropriate solutions.
- Developing the professional performance of those responsible for Hisbah in dealing with women-related issues.
In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude to Allah Almighty for His countless visible and hidden blessings. I am also pleased to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the University of Hail, represented by His Excellency the University President, Prof. Khalil bin Ibrahim Al-Ibrahim, for his interest in the Chair, his continuous follow-up of its activities, and his tireless efforts to support it and ensure the success of its initiatives.
We ask Allah that this chair will become an effective addition to the system of research chairs in Saudi universities and a means of promoting goodness and development within our Islamic nation.
We pray to Allah Almighty to grant us beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.