Islamic University of Minnesota Awards Master's Degree to Qur'anic Sciences Researcher

MINNESOTA, USA - November 25, 2025 - In line with its commitment to supporting specialized Qur'anic research, the Deanship of Graduate Studies at The Islamic University of Minnesota (Main Center) held a public defense of the master's thesis submitted by researcher Umama Mohammed Taher Al-Sawadi on the evening of Monday, November 17, 2025.

The researcher, a student in the Department of the Holy Qur'an and its Sciences at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, presented an in-depth scholarly study titled: "The Sealing of Qur'anic Verses with Paired Beautiful Names of Allah and Their Significance in the Tafsir of Imam al-Tabari (A Collection and Study)." The thesis aimed to analyze Imam al-Tabari's methodology in interpreting verses that conclude with Allah's Beautiful Names and to uncover the semantic and rhetorical dimensions of this unique Qur'anic style.

The defense committee was chaired by Professor Dr. Abdulrazeq Al-Bakri, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies. The committee included a distinguished panel of academic specialists: Assistant Professor Dr. Babker Mahmoud Mohammed (Supervisor and Rapporteur), Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmed Atta Mohammed Omar (Internal Examiner), Dr. Hazem Al-Nahhas (Internal Examiner), and Dr. Amna Hamid Mousa (External Examiner).

Following a rich scholarly discussion, the committee commended the researcher's effort, the depth of her study, and the originality of her topic. The committee recommended awarding the researcher, Umama Al-Sawadi, the Master's degree in Tafsir (Exegesis) and Qur'anic Sciences.

This academic event reflects The Islamic University of Minnesota's dedication to encouraging studies that serve Islamic heritage and contribute to enriching Qur'anic knowledge with rigorous scientific methodologies.