وزارات الشؤون الإسلامية تحتفل بتكريم الفائزين في أكبر مسابقة قرآنية دولية ببلقان في بريشتينا، عاصمة كوسوفو

On a momentous occasion, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da’wah and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the religious attaché office at the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in collaboration with the Islamic Authority in the Republic of Kosovo and coordination with the Saudi Embassy in the Republic of Albania, hosted an award ceremony for the winners of the third edition of the International Quran Competition in the Balkan countries. This event, which celebrated Quran recitation, memorization, and proficiency, took place in the capital city of Pristina, Kosovo, under the patronage of Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and the supervisor of national and international Quran competitions.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including the President of the Islamic Authority and the Grand Mufti of Kosovo, Sheikh Naim Ternava; the President and Grand Mufti of Albania, Sheikh Bujar Spahiu; and the Grand Mufti of Estonia, Sheikh Eldar Muhammad. Additionally, the Saudi Ambassador to Albania, Faisal bin Ghazi Hafezi, and Dr. Bandar bin Abdul Aziz Bilila, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and Imam of the Grand Mosque, were present, along with various Islamic leaders, diplomats, and officials from across the Balkan region.

The event featured a documentary presentation that highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting the Quran and its adherents, emphasizing the leadership’s commitment to support and nurture initiatives that facilitate the service of God’s Word. The presentation also included a review of the competition’s history over its three editions and the organization of this year’s qualifying rounds. Ambassador Faisal Hafezi remarked that the event exemplified the profound cultural ties among the Islamic communities, stating that Saudi Arabia’s support for the International Quran Competition reflects its enduring mission of serving the Quran, disseminating its values, and encouraging younger generations to memorize and contemplate it. This dedication is underpinned by the ongoing guidance and concern of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince.

He further acknowledged the vital role played by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and its unwavering commitment to the organization and support of this competition, which underscores its mission of promoting Islam and enhancing collaboration with religious institutions worldwide. The fruitful partnership with the Islamic Authority in Kosovo was praised for its significant impact on the success of this competition edition.

In his address, Sheikh Bandar Bilila emphasized the high status and importance of the Quran, detailing the ongoing efforts by Saudi Arabia to serve and teach it. He highlighted that the Kingdom is honored to be the birthplace of divine revelation and a source of prophetic message, adopting the Quran as its guiding constitution. Saudi Arabia has spared no effort in its duty to promote the Quran, exemplified by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran, numerous local and international competitions, and Islamic centers, in addition to distributing millions of printed copies of the Quran in different languages globally.

The Grand Mufti of Kosovo expressed profound gratitude toward the Saudi government for its consistent support to Kosovo and particularly to the Islamic Authority, which has greatly benefited from the ongoing religious, cultural, and educational initiatives. He commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its efforts in enhancing the global Islamic presence and enabling Muslim communities to connect with the Quran and their religious identity. This includes a series of impactful events, such as the “Bridges” cultural exhibition and the International Quran Competition in the Balkans, culminating in the recent visit of Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, which further solidified the Islamic Authority’s standing both regionally and internationally.

The overall expenses for organizing the competition and its accompanying activities exceeded 1.2 million Saudi Riyals, a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting international Quranic programs and fostering the presence of the Quran and its followers in Islamic communities. This third edition of the monumental Quranic event was concluded with remarkable success and distinction, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in the promotion of the Quranic heritage and Islamic values globally.