Islamic Studies College Holds Ceremony to Honor Winners of Quran Competition
In a special event, the Islamic Studies College at the Islamic University of Minnesota held a ceremony to honor the winners of the annual Quran competition on Friday, 15 Sha'ban 1446 AH, corresponding to February 14, 2024. The event witnessed notable attendance from the university's Vice President and Head of the Main Center, Dr. Omar Al-Maqrami, along with several faculty members, students, and guests.
Opening of Ceremony with Meaningful Words
The ceremony began with Dr. Islam Abdulhamid, Head of the Department of Quran and its Sciences, delivering an expressive opening speech that highlighted the significance of the Holy Quran and its people in Islam. Dr. Islam referenced a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing that the people of the Quran are the special ones of Allah. He elaborated on the importance of honoring the winners in this competition, stressing the profound values and meanings contained in the Quran.
Following his speech, Sheikh Mohammed Yaseen captivated the audience with a recitation of verses from Surah Al-Isra, creating an atmosphere filled with contemplation and reverence.
Speech by University Vice President
Doctor Omar Al-Maqrami, Vice President of the Islamic University of Minnesota, then took the stage to express his happiness in attending the event. He praised the efforts of the Islamic Studies College in organizing the competition and congratulated the winners while appreciating the large number of participants. He spoke about the esteemed status of the Quran and its blessings, citing verses from the Quran that highlight its positive impact on people's lives.
Role of Competition as Educational Institution
Doctor Ghada Al-Bahnasi, the college's Deputy Dean and the general coordinator of the competition, discussed the importance of the Quran. She emphasized that reciting it is an act of worship, pondering over it is obligatory, and that participation in this competition reflects a commitment to Quranic values. She pointed out that the competition is not merely a contest in recitation but rather an educational institution that teaches the meanings of contemplation and humility.
Highlighting Efforts Made
Doctor Abdulrazeq Al-Bakri, Dean of the Islamic Studies College, also spoke about the significant efforts made by everyone involved in the competition. He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Omar Al-Maqrami for his continuous support, noting the impressive number of participants this year, which reached 667, showcasing the success of the competition in attracting participants.
Presentation of Introductory Video
The ceremony included a presentation of an introductory video about the Islamic University of Minnesota and the Quran competition. The video highlighted the main objectives of the competition and ways to participate, revealing that the number of qualifiers reached 553 participants, demonstrating the substantial success achieved this year.
Conclusion of Ceremony and Honoring Winners
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude to the members of the judging panel and all participants. The names of the winners were announced, and they were awarded prizes, including full scholarships and certificates of appreciation, which further enhance the significance of this event and reflect the efforts made to motivate Quran memorizers.
Through this ceremony, the Islamic Studies College demonstrates its commitment to nurturing the Quran and its people, continuing to organize such events that reinforce the status of the Holy Quran in the community.