Islamic Affairs Department holds Quran competition in Montenegro
As part of its ongoing efforts to serve the Holy Quran in various countries around the world, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized a local Quran recitation competition for boys and girls in Montenegro. The events of this blessed competition were held in the capital, Podgorica, amidst an atmosphere of faith and honorable competition among those who have memorized the Holy Quran.
Details of the closing ceremony and awards presentation
The competition began on Monday, 2 Rajab 1447 AH, and the qualifying rounds and competitions continued until Wednesday, 4 Rajab 1447 AH. These efforts culminated in a grand closing ceremony attended by the Grand Mufti and Head of the Islamic Community of Montenegro, Sheikh Rifat Fejzić, along with a representative of the Embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the assigned religious attaché. The ceremony included the distribution of commemorative shields and certificates of appreciation, as well as cash prizes for the winners of the top prizes, and the taking of commemorative photographs that documented these moving moments in the contestants' journey.
Competition categories and memorization levels
The competition witnessed a remarkable turnout, with over 47 male and female contestants from various regions participating in its initial stages. Following rigorous preliminary rounds, 24 contestants qualified for the finals. The competition was divided into six main categories, three for boys and three for girls, to ensure parity and encourage both genders to memorize the Quran. The memorization levels were as follows:
- First branch: Memorizing ten parts of the Holy Quran.
- The second branch: Memorizing five parts.
- Third branch: Memorizing two parts.
The Kingdom's leading role in serving the Quran globally
This competition is an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in caring for the Holy Quran and disseminating its tolerant teachings worldwide. The Kingdom spares no effort in supporting international and local Quranic competitions across various continents, stemming from its noble mission to serve Islam and Muslims. These activities are an integral part of the Kingdom's religious and cultural diplomacy, which aims to promote the values of moderation and tolerance, and to connect young Muslims in minority communities with their holy book, thus contributing to their intellectual and doctrinal fortification.
The importance of the competition for Muslims in the Balkans
This competition holds particular significance given its location in the Balkans, specifically in Montenegro, where Muslims are keen to preserve their Islamic identity and rich heritage. Such events, sponsored by the Kingdom, contribute to strengthening fraternal ties between the two peoples and provide moral support to official religious institutions like the Islamic Community. Furthermore, encouraging young men and women to memorize the Holy Quran in these communities is a cornerstone in preserving the Arabic language and fostering a correct understanding of Islam, free from extremism and fanaticism. This reflects the significant positive impact of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs' efforts beyond the Kingdom's borders.
