Zagreb, May 20 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has participated in the 3rd European International Quran memorization competition and the 4th generation quran competition, held in the Republic of Croatia.

The competition was organized by the Croatian Islamic Community and in collaboration with the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Competition of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.

The Qatari delegation was headed by Director of the Department of Da'wah and Religious Guidance at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Jassim Abdullah Al Ali.

The delegation included Yousef Hassan Al Hammadi, a member of the jury Yousef Hassan Al Hammadi, and the country's representative in the entire Quran memorization category Mohammed Ahmed Al Haram.

The Islamic Cultural Center in Rijeka, Croatia, which was built with support from the State of Qatar more than a decade ago, hosted the activities of this international Quran competition, once again embodying Qatar's commitment to supporting and strengthening the presence of Islamic values ​​through science and knowledge.

The competition saw the participation of contestants from 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa, in a unique Quranic and faith-based atmosphere.

The competition provided a global platform for Quran memorization and recitation by Quran reciters and exchanged expertise and experiences.

During the opening ceremony, Mufti of Croatia, Dr. Aziz Hasanovic, and Islamic Center officials praised the pioneering role played by the State of Qatar in supporting Quranic projects around the world, and its efforts in sponsoring Quranic competitions and providing support for their success.

The International Senior Quran Memorization Competition is a unique event, focusing on memorizers over the age of 35.

It is one of the rare initiatives that provides this category with an international platform for competition, which strengthens the continuity of the connection to the Holy Quran at all stages of life.

The competitions continued over two days, interspersed with cultural and community visits to promote cultural exchange.

The competition culminated in the victory of Muhammad Abdi from Sweden, who won first place, while Othman Najdeh from Lebanon took second place, and Barry Suleiman Abu Bakr from Guinea took third place.

The following day, the generation of the Quran competition was held for children and youth, with the participation of approximately 300 students from various Croatian cities.

The competition witnessed a large turnout and significant interest from families and the local community, with a ceremony featuring Quranic recitations, hymns, and educational activities.

This participation is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in the State of Qatar to enhance the status of the Holy Quran globally and consolidate its presence in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.

This is achieved through supporting international competitions, Quranic centers, and educational curricula, reflecting the State of Qatar's commitment to a faith-based and humanitarian vision targeting current and future generations.

Qatar's active presence in international Quranic events confirms the status of the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Competition as a prestigious global platform for cooperation with Quranic competitions around the world.

This strengthens the bonds between peoples under the umbrella of the Holy Quran and reflects Qatar's leadership in serving the Quran and its people.

It is worth noting that the countries participating in the third edition of the European International Quran Memorization Competition (Senior Memorizers Category) are: Croatia, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Algeria, Turkey, Guinea, Sweden, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Tunisia, Finland, Pakistan, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Albania, the United Kingdom, and Kosovo. (QNA)