Khaled bin Hamoud Alkahtani
COLOMBO
All praise is due to almighty God, who revealed the Quran as guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion. Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the best of those who recited the Quran, delivered the message, and fulfilled the trust.
I am delighted to share with our Muslim sons and daughters in the Republic of Sri Lanka, and with all lovers of the holy Quran, the joy of the third annual Holy Quran memorization Competition organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This competition is a continuation of the Kingdom’s approach to serving Islam and Muslims, and to caring for the Holy Quran through memorization, teaching, and dissemination of its noble values throughout the world.
This blessed competition does not merely aim to encourage competition in memorization and recitation, but rather seeks, first and foremost, to instill the meanings of the holy Quran in hearts, solidify its values in behavior, and deepen the connection with the holy Quran, which guides to what is most upright and unites hearts upon goodness, justice, mercy, and tolerance.
This initiative stems from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the care of the Holy Quran and its people, and to supporting all that contributes to spreading moderation and centrism, and strengthening Islamic values that call for peaceful coexistence and understanding among peoples.
We at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Sri Lanka are proud of the great enthusiasm shown by young men and women to participate in this competition, and of the blessed efforts of parents and teachers in teaching and memorizing the Holy Quran to future generations. This is a true investment in building virtuous individuals and a cohesive society.
On this occasion, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Ash Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, for his keen interest and guidance in ensuring the success of this competition. I also express my gratitude to Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana , Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Muslim Relations and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, my colleagues at the Embassy, the judges, my sons and daughters participating in the competition, and all the organizers and staff for their contributions to its success.
We pray almighty Allah to place this in the balance of their good deeds and to reward the participants abundantly for their efforts in memorizing and reciting holy Quran.
We pray almighty Allah to make the Glorious holy Quran the spring of our hearts, the light of our chests and the dispeller of our sorrows, and to grant our sons and daughters success in memorizing it and acting upon its teachings.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
( The writer is the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Sri Lanka)
