by His Eminence, the Vice President of the Islamic University, Shaykh 'Abdul­'Aziz ibn Baz

All Praise is due to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the one after whom there will be no other prophet. This is the first issue of the magazine of the Islamic University of Al­Madinah Al­Munawwarah (The Lightened City). We are introducing it to the readers, hoping that they will find in it that which benefits them in their worldly and religious matters and increases their insight and understanding of Allah's Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him). We also hope that this magazine will provide enlightenment to resolve their problems and a light on the road before them.

The publication of the Islamic University magazine was delayed as some people were of the opinion that the magazine should be published at the same time as the university was opened, so the magazine would be the voice of the university, explaining its aims and objectives and clarifying its course of action to reach its goals. However, the majority opinion was not to speak about the actions of the university during its establishment, and to let its fruits be tangible not descriptive. We informed those in charge of the magazine that it is to include the writings of thinkers and scholars from all corners of the world not just from the Islamic University, so it can be a meeting point that gathers all these works, especially when it is the magazine issued from Al­Madinah Al­Munawwarah, the Muslims' first capital and springboard for the noble Muslim conquerors, Du'ahs (callers to Islam), and reformers.

This magazine aims to be at the level of understanding of the majority of readers

in Muslim and non­Muslim countries, so they can follow and digest what is being published. It will not be limited to the prominent scholars, jurists, and researchers, thereby preventing others whose cultural or educational levels are limited from grasping and benefiting from what is published. The magazine will avoid publishing empty talk, trivial matters, and all that may harm Muslims or carry dangers to their unity and solidarity. It will be, with Allah's Permission, an Islamic cultural magazine, not a political party­biased magazine. These are its intentions.

The Islamic University in Al­Madinah Al­Munawwarah is a new institution, compared to the other large universities and academic institutions. Although it has not yet completed its seventh year, it has ­ praise be to Allah ­ made great progress towards the intended goal behind its establishment. Hundreds of students from dozens of Muslim countries all over the world have graduated from it and taken positions in their countries and others to teach people the good and guide them to the right path.

I will not talk too much here about the university, because there is another place for that in the magazine. My aim here is just to indicate the goal of the magazine. I ask Allah sincerely to guide us to the places of truth in this world and to what is right! May He grant us all truthful words and righteous deeds, and give victory to His Din (Religion) and make His Word superior! He is the All­Hearer, Ever­Near. May peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad, and his family and Companions!