Delegation reaffirms support for Qur’anic education and stronger ties with Islamic institutions

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

A delegation from the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Qur’an Competition, organised by Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, participates in the opening ceremony of the 18th Holy Qur’an Memorisation and Recitation Competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The participation reflects Qatar’s continued support for Qur’anic initiatives and efforts to strengthen Islamic and cultural cooperation in line with the country’s National Vision 2030.

The competition, organised by the Directorate of Religious Affairs under the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, opened on July 10, 2026, at the historic Gazi Husrev-beg Madrasa in Sarajevo. The event attracted religious leaders, diplomats, Qur’an scholars, judges and contestants from Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries.

Qatar’s participation marks the third consecutive year that the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Qur’an Competition has supported the event, demonstrating the country’s commitment to promoting Qur’anic education and strengthening partnerships with Islamic institutions around the world.

The Qatari delegation was led by Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Director of the Department of Mosques at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Sheikh Jassim Holy Qur’an Competition. Qatar’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, HE Mishal bin Ali Al Attiyah, also attended the ceremony.

Among the dignitaries present were the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Husein Kavazović; the ambassadors of Egypt and Algeria; the Director of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, Dr Mansour Malić; members of the judging panel, contestants, Islamic scholars and Qur’an enthusiasts.

Speaking at the ceremony, Grand Mufti Dr Kavazović thanked the State of Qatar, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Qur’an Competition for their continued support. He said Qatar’s contribution reflects the strong ties between the two countries and helps promote the teachings of the Holy Qur’an among younger generations.

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting the annual competition, describing it as an important platform that brings together memorizers of the Holy Qur’an and promotes service to the Book of Allah.

He also commended the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina for its efforts in promoting Qur’anic education and supporting Qur’an memorizers, noting that the competition has grown into a respected religious and educational platform in Europe.

He added that the event’s success is a result of Allah’s blessings and the continuous support of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that Qatar remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote Islamic values and help raise generations guided by the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.

Source: The Peninsula