Qatari delegation with other officials during the event.
Doha, Qatar: A delegation from the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Competition, organised by Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, participated in the opening ceremony of the 18th Holy Quran Memorisation and Recitation Competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reaffirming Qatar’s continued commitment to supporting Quranic initiatives and strengthening Islamic and cultural cooperation in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The competition, organised by the Directorate of Religious Affairs under the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, officially opened on July 10, 2026, at the historic Gazi Husrev-beg Madrasa in Sarajevo. The event brought together prominent religious leaders, diplomats, Quran scholars, judges, and contestants from within Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.
Qatar’s participation marks the third consecutive year of support provided by the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Competition for the Bosnian event, reflecting the State of Qatar’s enduring commitment to serving the Holy Quran, promoting Quranic education, and strengthening partnerships with Islamic institutions worldwide.
The Qatari delegation was headed 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 Quran Competition. The opening ceremony was also attended by Qatar’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H E Mishal bin Ali Al Attiyah.
Among the distinguished attendees were Grand Mufti Dr. Husein Kavazović, Head of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the ambassadors of Egypt and Algeria, Dr. Mansour Malić, Director of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, members of the judging panel, contestants, scholars, and Quran enthusiasts.
During the opening ceremony, Grand Mufti Dr. Kavazović expressed his deep appreciation to the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Competition, for its continuous support of the competition. He noted that Qatar’s backing reflects the strong fraternal relations between the two countries and contributes significantly to promoting the message of the Holy Quran and encouraging younger generations to embrace its teachings.
Addressing the ceremony, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulazw Al Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s pride in supporting the annual competition, describing it as an important gathering that unites memorisers of the Holy Quran while reflecting the shared commitment to serving the Book of Allah.
He praised the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina for its dedicated efforts in promoting Quranic education and caring for Quran memorisers, noting that the competition has evolved into a distinguished scientific and spiritual platform in Europe.
He said the competition’s continued success is the result of Allah’s blessings and the sustained support provided by the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He emphasised that Qatar, under its leadership and with the support of its people, places the service of the Holy Quran at the heart of its mission and remains committed to supporting initiatives that reinforce Islamic values and contribute to building individuals guided by the teachings of the Quran.
