Qur'anic Garden takes root in Doha

IN a first of its kind in the world, the Qur’anic Botanical Garden initiative was officially inaugurated by HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad yesterday evening at the Education City marking a historical milestone.

By planting a Sidra sapling at the proposed-site, the Qatar Foundation chairperson led off the unique project that features plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith (Sayings) of the Prophet (peace be upon him) – and that’s a significant number since there are more than 150 verses in the Qur’an alone mentioning a diverse flora.

Located opposite the Sidra Medical and Research Centre, currently under construction, the Qur’anic Garden has objectives and aims unlike any other botanical space, according to senior officials.

“It will perform different roles in many disciplines: Education, religious ethics, scientific research, plant conservation and sustainable use. This will be achieved through various activities,” explained vice chairman Dr Saif al-Hajari.

“It will also document and record these plants, as well as the traditional plants, their uses, medicinal importance and integrate the resulting data with modern science,” Dr al-Hajari added.

Unesco, which first tabled the idea a few years ago, had the same thing in mind: Environmental conservation, scientific research, education and recreation. The organisation continues to urge other Arab countries to initiate the project.

A living display of plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, arranged as a traditional quadripartite garden, will be extremely useful to carry out appropriate training programmes in environmental conservation, as well as to spread the ‘knowledge of plants’ in the Holy Book, the Unesco had said.

Maersk Oil Qatar, the Danish shipping and oil giant, that entered into a partnership agreement with QF in April 2007, offering financial support while demonstrating commitment to QF’s vision.

The Qur’anic Garden, a three-part project, of which the first part was opened yesterday evening, will be spread over 24 hectares when all phases are ready, housing over 51 plants mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadith—from mustard to saffron, pumpkin to aloe, and henna to pomegranate—it will also be home to hundreds (around 350) of species from the local flora.

According to QF’s scientific adviser, Professor Kamal Batanouny, activities of the garden include wide ranging pursuits.

“It will disseminate books and brochures about the plants; their scientific and local names; phytochemical components; relation between people and these centuries-old plants. It is to also have a specialised heritage library, a special corner for traditional uses, newsletters and resources for student and researchers,” Prof Batanouny maintained.

“It is hoped that this Qur’anic Garden will also eventually contribute to scientific knowledge, like Islam did in the past in a host of fields. While non-Muslims will start to see our religion as a moderate one with equal emphasis on preserving biodiversity,” Dr al-Hajari added.

According to officials, the garden is expected to foster QF’s scientific-related ambitions and become a tourist destination. They also appreciated the Unesco Doha office, its director, Dr Hamad al-Hammami, Maersk and individuals at the Commonwealth University in Qatar, who came up with the “brilliantly-sketched arabesque logo of The Qur’anic Garden.”