Jusoor Exhibition Highlights Saudi Commitment to Quran and Sunnah

Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, Sidi Yahya Ould Cheikhna Ould Lemrabott, commended Saudi Arabia for selecting his country to host the inaugural Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Competition for Memorizing the Holy Quran and the Sunnah, praising the accompanying Jusoor Exhibition for showcasing the Kingdom’s historic commitment to Islamic heritage. The competition, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in partnership with Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, runs from October 15 to 18, 2024, in Nouakchott. The minister made his remarks following the inauguration of the Jusoor Exhibition, which he described as a vital platform for educating the Mauritanian public about Saudi Arabia’s history and its ongoing efforts in preserving the Quran and Sunnah.

Context and Background

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for Memorizing the Holy Quran and the Sunnah represents a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and religious diplomacy, reflecting the Kingdom’s leadership in promoting Islamic scholarship and spiritual devotion. By extending this prestigious contest to West African nations, Saudi Arabia underscores its commitment to fostering global Islamic unity and supporting Quranic education beyond its borders. The selection of Mauritania, a country with a deep-rooted tradition of Quranic learning, highlights the strong bilateral ties between the two nations and their shared dedication to preserving Islamic teachings.

Key Details

During his address, Minister Lemrabott expressed profound gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his patronage of the competition and to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani for his exceptional support of Quranic memorization. The minister stated that Mauritania takes great pride in hosting the event, which he said “embodies the Mauritanian identity.” He pledged his country’s full commitment to ensuring the competition’s resounding success, which will contribute to its development in the coming years. The Jusoor Exhibition, held concurrently, offers visitors a unique window into Saudi Arabia’s historical role in caring for the Quran and Sunnah, including displays of manuscripts, educational initiatives, and the Kingdom’s global outreach programs.

Implications and Impact

The competition provides a platform for participants from across West Africa to compete honorably in Quran memorization and recitation, with valuable prizes serving as a strong incentive. Minister Lemrabott noted that Mauritanian contestants have prepared diligently and are expected to demonstrate impressive skills, enhancing the event’s reputation and encouraging broader participation. This initiative strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in Islamic cultural exchange, fostering goodwill and deepening ties with African nations. It also reinforces the Kingdom’s soft power through religious and educational engagement, aligning with its broader foreign policy objectives to promote stability and mutual understanding in the region.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This competition and the accompanying Jusoor Exhibition exemplify Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 commitment to promoting global cultural and religious dialogue. By sharing its rich Islamic heritage and supporting Quranic education abroad, the Kingdom demonstrates its role as a beacon of moderation and spiritual guidance. Such initiatives enhance Saudi Arabia’s international standing, foster cross-cultural appreciation, and contribute to a vibrant society rooted in Islamic values. As the competition grows and evolves, it will reinforce the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving the Quran and Sunnah while building lasting partnerships that benefit Muslim communities worldwide.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Jusoor Exhibition?

A1. The Jusoor Exhibition is an event held alongside the Quran competition in Mauritania, organized by Saudi Arabia to educate visitors about the Kingdom’s history and efforts in preserving the Quran and Sunnah.

Q2. Who inaugurated the Jusoor Exhibition?

A2. The Jusoor Exhibition was inaugurated by Mauritanian Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, Sidi Yahya Ould Cheikhna Ould Lemrabott, who praised its role in showcasing Saudi care for Islamic heritage.

Q3. Which competition is the Jusoor Exhibition associated with?

A3. The exhibition accompanies the inaugural Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Competition for Memorizing the Holy Quran and the Sunnah, held for West African countries.

Q4. Who organized the Quran competition in Mauritania?

A4. The competition was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in cooperation with the Mauritanian Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education.

Q5. When did the competition and exhibition take place?

A5. The competition and exhibition ran from October 15 to 18, 2024, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency on October 14, 2024.

Q6. Why was Mauritania chosen to host the competition?

A6. Mauritania was chosen reflecting its deep care for the Quran and Sunnah, as stated by Minister Lemrabott, who said the selection embodies the Mauritanian identity.

Q7. What did the Mauritanian minister say about the exhibition?

A7. Minister Lemrabott described the Jusoor Exhibition as a great opportunity to educate the Mauritanian people about Saudi Arabia’s history and efforts in caring for the Quran and the Sunnah.

Q8. What is the purpose of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition?

A8. The competition aims to promote memorization and recitation of the Holy Quran and Sunnah among participants, encouraging honorable competition and rewarding excellence with valuable prizes.

Q9. Who is the patron of the competition?

A9. The competition is patronized by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic affairs.

Q10. Which countries are participating in the competition?

A10. The competition is specifically for West African countries, as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support Quranic education and cultural exchange in the region.

Q11. What role did Mauritania’s president play in the event?

A11. President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani was thanked by Minister Lemrabott for his exceptional care for the Quran and encouragement of memorization and recitation.

Q12. How did the minister describe Mauritania’s pride in hosting?

A12. Minister Lemrabott said Mauritania is proud of being chosen to host the event, as it embodies the country’s identity and long tradition of Quranic learning.

Q13. What impact did the minister expect from the competition?

A13. He expected the competition to have a positive impact by enabling participants to compete honorably and strive for prizes, which he described as a valuable incentive.

Q14. How did the minister describe the Mauritanian contestants?

A14. Minister Lemrabott noted that Mauritanian contestants prepared diligently and he expected them to impress others with their Quranic memorization and recitation skills.

Q15. What does the Jusoor Exhibition display?

A15. The exhibition provides insights into Saudi Arabia’s history and efforts in caring for the Quran and Sunnah, including educational initiatives and cultural displays.

Q16. What is the significance of holding the competition in West Africa?

A16. It extends Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural outreach to West Africa, fostering unity, supporting Quranic education, and strengthening bilateral ties with nations like Mauritania.

Q17. How does this event align with Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A17. The event underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic affairs and its commitment to promoting Islamic heritage and education on a global scale.

Q18. What did the minister pledge regarding the competition’s success?

A18. Minister Lemrabott pledged that Mauritania would spare no effort to ensure the resounding success of this edition and the fulfillment of its objectives for future development.

Q19. Who is the source of this information?

A19. The information comes from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), which reported the minister’s statements and details of the competition and exhibition.

Q20. What is the broader message of the Jusoor Exhibition?

A20. The exhibition showcases Saudi Arabia’s historic and ongoing dedication to preserving the Quran and Sunnah, promoting cultural understanding, and supporting Islamic communities worldwide.

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