Islam is religion of peace: Pak envoy

Waqar Naseem Wamiq RIYADH — The Quran Memorization Center of Prince Faisal Bin Saad Mosque here held its annual prize distribution ceremony for 37 young Pakistani Huffaz (persons who completely memorized the Holy Qur’an) that was highly attended by hundreds of peoples including prominent Pakistani community members. Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq was the chief guest, Maulana Abdul Maalik Mujahid, director Darussalam, presided over the ceremony, and the program was superbly conducted by Faisal Alvi and Habib ur Rahman respectively. Pakistan Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Hassan Wazir, Abdul Rahman Al Makhdoob, Sheikh Sultan Aal e Faryan, Tufail Ahmed Raja, Al Sheikh Ibrahim Al Suwaikat were the prominent dignitaries who attended. The ceremony formally began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Qari Shams ul Islam followed by beautiful recitations by Yousaf Khan, Syed Abdul Rahman and Faizan Ali. A soulful naat was presented by Abdul Ghaffar Mujahid. Qari Asad Iqbal presented the annual report of the center and stated that 37 young Pakistani Huffaz completed the memorization of Holy Quran last year under the supervision of the qualified teachers of the center. In his address, Ibrahim Al Suwaikat paid rich tribute to the teachers and students of the memorization center and pointed out the center as one of the best in Riyadh. Several student speakers of the Qur’an center, inculding Mustafa Naeem, Ali Ijaz, Faizan Faheem, and Umar Abdul Waheed, highlighted the importance of Islamic teachings in daily lives in their presentations. A documentary about the Qur’an Memorization Center of Prince Faisal Bin Saad Mosque was also presented on the occasion. The 37 new Huffaz of the session were awarded with shields and prizes, and they all were highly appreciated by the dignitaries and the audience. Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq, in his address, congratulated the successful students upon memorizing the noble Qur’an and said these students are our true picture, asset and future, and they will become preachers of Islam, and this educated generation will further spread our message of peace and harmony. “Islam is a religion of peace, and terrorism has nothing to do with Islam. All those who are using Islam for their evil agendas are on the downfall, and we condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Para Channar, Pakistan,” he said. Maulana Abdul Maalik Mujahid thanked the dignitaries and the guests for attending the annual ceremony and assured his best to continue the services to Islam. “It is our duty as a Muslim to do whatever possible for the promotion of our religion and the best ever thing to do is the memorization of the glorious Qur’an,” Mujahid said.