Officials with participants during the honouring ceremony.
Doha, Qatar: The organising committee of the Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad bin Thani Holy Quran Competition, under the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, recently held a celebratory ceremony to honour participants in the “New Muslims” category.
Now in its 12th edition, the event was held in partnership with the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center.
The ceremony, characterised by an atmosphere of brotherhood and spiritual unity, celebrated the participants’ commitment to reciting and memorising the Holy Quran.
This year’s edition saw a record turnout, with 376 participants, 218 men and 158 women, registering for the competition. These participants represent 18 different nationalities from African and Asian communities residing in Qatar, highlighting the global nature of Islam and Qatar’s dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and culturally diverse environment.
Jassim bin Abdullah Al Ali, Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasised that the dedicated category for new Muslims is a strategic initiative reflecting the committee’s responsibility toward those who have chosen Islam as their faith and way of life.
He explained that the competition is designed to be accessible, featuring three progressive levels that allow participants to build confidence at their own pace, starting with the memorization of Al-Fatiha and short surahs, progressing to half of Juz Amma, and ultimately completing the memorisation of the entire Juz Amma.
To ensure fairness, the committee utilized an electronic judging system and assembled specialized panels experienced in working with non-Arabic speakers. Al Ali noted that the goal is to nurture the beginning of their spiritual journey and promote steadfastness on the path of faith.
The ceremony included a visual presentation featuring inspiring stories of participants, highlighting their challenges in learning the Arabic language and the transformative impact of the Quran on their lives. The initiative serves as a powerful bridge for integration, strengthening bonds between diverse cultures and encouraging participants to embrace their Islamic identity.
Through the collaboration with the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs continues to provide the essential educational and spiritual support needed to help new Muslims grow within the community.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony, where participants were presented with certificates and prizes in recognition of their dedication and achievement.
