A delegation from the Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani Quran Recitation and Memorisation Competition, affiliated with Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, took part in the opening of the 18th Quran Recitation and Memorisation Competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event was held at the historic Gazi Husrev-beg Madrasa in Sarajevo and drew participation from numerous religious leaders and officials from Bosnia and abroad.
Organised by the Department of Religious Affairs of the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the competition aims to promote the memorisation and recitation of the Quran among young Muslims and strengthen Islamic values in the country. Qatar’s involvement marks the third consecutive year the Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani competition has supported the Bosnian event, underscoring the Gulf state’s commitment to fostering Quranic education and cultural exchange internationally.
The Qatari delegation was led by Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, director of the Mosques Department at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and Vice-Chairman of the competition’s organizing committee. Qatar’s ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Meshal bin Ali Al Attiyah, also attended alongside religious figures including Bosnia’s Grand Mufti, Dr. Husein Kavazović, as well as ambassadors from Egypt and Algeria.
During the opening ceremony, Grand Mufti Kavazović expressed gratitude to Qatar for its ongoing support, highlighting the collaboration as a sign of strong fraternal relations and a shared dedication to the Quran’s teachings. He emphasized the Quran not only as a sacred text to be recited but as a guiding framework for moral and social values. The Mufti stressed that the competition seeks to encourage youth participation, enhance Quranic knowledge, and prepare contestants for international Quranic contests, thereby cultivating a generation grounded in Islamic scholarship and tolerant values.
Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Thani underscored Qatar’s pride in backing the competition, describing it as an important Quranic educational event in Europe that unites memorisers and scholars. He noted the event’s growth and significance in promoting Quranic contemplation and application, character development, and the strengthening of Islamic identity rooted in moderation and balance. He called on participants to view the competition as a milestone in both their academic and spiritual journeys.
The Qatari delegation’s participation reflects the strategic objectives of Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, which include enhancing partnerships with Islamic institutions globally, nurturing faith-based values, and advancing the memorisation and teaching of the Quran. This engagement also aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, particularly in the human and social development domain, by reinforcing Islamic identity and supporting cultural and religious initiatives.
The Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani competition, with a history exceeding three decades, continues to play a key role in promoting Quranic memorisation and scholarship both within Qatar and internationally. Its collaboration with foreign ministries and embassies facilitates cross-cultural dialogue and contributes to a broader mission of preserving the Quran’s legacy and values worldwide.