Other religions, faiths welcome at 34th Qur'an Reciters Assembly

CEBU, Philippines – For the first time, the Muslim community in the region will welcome followers of other religions to witness the 34th Visayas Area Qur’an Reciters Assembly today at the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum along Osmeña Boulevard.

Sakiran Hadjan, regional director of the Office of the Muslim Affairs, said this gesture is a way to foster better understanding and relationships between Muslims and followers of other religions and would allow Cebuanos to better understand different cultures.

“The working relationship and peaceful coexistence that we have, we will be able to sustain it through this,” Hadjan said.

Hadjan said they have invited representatives from 20 religious groups and religions to witness the recitations of the Qur’an with different translations.

Contestant in the Qur’an recitation contest will be given an issue and would be made to pick a verse from the Qur’an to help them explain the issue.

OMA will also donate Qur’ans to five universities, including the Asian College of Technology, University of Cebu, Southwestern University, University of San Carlos, and Cebu Normal University.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde is the main guest of today’s affair. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)