Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa recently attended the closing ceremony in Islamabad to honor, under the patronage and in the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the winners of a Qur’anic competition for young memorizers under the age of 10.
Sharif and Al-Issa then laid the foundation stone for a branch of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, an extension of its main headquarters in Madinah.
The ceremony, attended by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, opened with a recitation from the Qur’an by Irshadullah bin Muti’e, the competition winner.
Sharif praised the pivotal role played by the MWL in advancing Qur’anic education, highlighting the stature of the Kingdom and its leadership in the global Islamic sphere.
He underscored Pakistan’s embrace of the forthcoming Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, recognizing its potential to advance Islamic principles worldwide and deepen understanding of Prophet Muhammad’s life.
“This museum will serve as a pilgrimage destination not just for Pakistanis, but for people worldwide,” Sharif said, affirming that the Pakistani people would deeply appreciate the museum, a gift from Saudi Arabia.
In his address, Al-Issa celebrated the young Qur’an memorizers, emphasizing Pakistan’s deep-rooted commitment to Qur’anic education and the religious dedication of its population.
He said that Qur’anic schools and institutions throughout the Islamic world should not focus merely on memorization but also on imparting understanding and insight into its meanings.
The ceremony culminated in the distribution of prizes to outstanding participants throughout Pakistan, followed by a visual presentation about the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization.