Islamic University of Minnesota Honors Winners of "University Reciter" Competition
Minnesota, January 16, 2025 – In a solemn Quranic evening, the College of Islamic Studies at the Islamic University of Minnesota (Main Center) held a grand ceremony yesterday evening, Thursday, January 15, 2025, to honor the winners of the third season of the "University Reciter" competition. The event embodied the deep connection of the academic institution with the scientific, educational, and outreach message of the Holy Quran.
The ceremony was not merely a celebratory occasion but a high-level spiritual milestone, reflecting the university's vision to contribute to nurturing a balanced Quranic generation that combines mastery of recitation, sincerity in following its teachings, and beauty of character. The diverse segments of the event wove together a complete picture titled "The Quran is Life and the Nation's Project."
Speeches that Reinforce Values
The ceremony commenced with a speech by Dr. Islam Abdel Hamid, the ceremony's host and head of the Quran and its Sciences Department. His eloquent opening emphasized that the competition is a contest in building individuals and the nation before being a contest in memorization and performance.
In her speech on behalf of the university administration, Dr. Zainab Ali Bassyouni, Vice President of the University, stated that this ceremony represents "a stance of loyalty to the Book of God." She praised the continuous support of University President Dr. Waleed Al-Meneesee and the institutional vision of Vice President Dr. Omar Al-Maqrami, which has made serving the Quran "a permanent priority, not a seasonal activity."
For his part, Dr. Abdulrazeq Al-Bakri, Dean of the College of Islamic Studies and General Supervisor of the competition, clarified that the honor "honors the Holy Quran which has settled in the hearts of the winners." He directed a message to them that winning is a trust and that the Quran must be "a light by which its bearer walks through life."
Meanwhile, Dr. Ghada Al-Bahnasy, the competition's General Coordinator and Vice Dean of the College, emphasized that the competition is "the beginning of a long journey with the Quran." She called on the winners to uphold the rights of the Quran through "character and action," and reminded non-winners that "closeness to the Quran is a victory not measured by results."
Diverse Segments Touching Hearts
The ceremony featured a heartfelt recitation by Sheikh Ibrahim Saad Mustafa, an emotional participation by the child Asmaa Hani with a meaningful Quranic hymn, and a distinctive devotional segment by the same reciter expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
An emotionally moving introductory film about the winners was shown, alongside a video of thanks and appreciation for the judging committees and the working team, highlighting the institutional and collective nature of the achievement.
The ceremony also presented statistical data revealing the competition's wide reach: 500 participants joined its WhatsApp group, 279 competitors applied, 16 judging committees oversaw the qualifying rounds, and 58 contestants reached the finals.
Testimony from the Judging Panels
The ceremony also featured a speech by His Eminence Dr. Medhat Abdulaziz, representing the judges, in which he expressed his pride in participating in "one of the most honorable tasks." He affirmed that the relationship with the Book of God "does not end with a competition or a victory, but continues with recitation, contemplation, and action."
An Affecting Conclusion
Dr. Islam Abdulhamid concluded the ceremony with an emotional call to renew the covenant with the Holy Quran as a healing, mercy, and a profitable trade, asking God to make everyone among its people and close ones.
Thus, the ceremony conveyed a clear message that the Islamic University of Minnesota continues its journey within the framework of its comprehensive mission: "A university that graduates minds, purifies hearts, and builds individuals through revelation, knowledge, and action."
