Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Contest for Memorizing the Holy Quran and Sunnah has concluded at the Republican Palace here today. The concluding ceremony was attended by the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The ceremony started with a recitation of verses of the Holy Quran. Then, the Indonesian Minister of Religion Mohammed Basyuni delivered a speech in which he highlighted the progress of the Contest and announced the names of the winners. Then, the speech of the sponsor of contest, the Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was delivered by Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulrahman Khayyat. Following is the text of the speech: "In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His Servant The Book, and hath allowed Therein no crookedness). And peace and blessings be upon Allah's messenger and his family and companions. Your Excellency President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Your Eminencies Islamic Scholars, Your Excellencies Ministers, From the land of the Two Holy Mosques, I greet you by Islam's greeting (peace and Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you). I pray to Allah Almighty to grant your Excellency good health, and grant the brotherly Indonesian people security, stability, steady progress and prosperity. Mr President, Allah Almighty bestowed on the nation of Islam the best of His books which was revealed to the best of His messengers. Allah Almighty revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Mohammed bin Abdullah, the honorable messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Allah Almighty ensures maintaining the Holy Quran, saying (We have, without doubt, Sent down the Message; And We will assuredly Guard it [from corruption]). Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) urged Muslims to learn and memorize the Holy Quran, saying (the best of you are those who learn and teach the Quran). Allah's guidance to the believers is manifested through making them among those taking care of the Holy Quran whether by memorizing it or being rewarded for memorizing it. This resulted in encouraging others to learn and teach the Holy Quran. We hope Your Excellency that this Contest - which you are patronizing its concluding ceremony today and rewarding its winners - will be a good deed accepted by Allah. Mr. President, The hosting of the 1st Contest of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz for Memorizing and Reciting the Holy Quran by the Republic of Indonesia at the level of ASEAN countries; your Excellency's keenness on hosting the participants from all countries of the region, and your patronage of the concluding ceremony of the Contest underline you keenness to uphold righteousness and piety ordained by Allah who said (Help ye one another In righteousness and piety). It is also affirming the strength of the relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia. Following your patronage of this blessed Contest last year at the level of the Indonesian Republic as well as your desire to expand the Contest to include ASEAN countries, praise be to Allah Almighty you are now patronizing the Contest for the second time and seeing the blessed fruits of this blessed work. We hope that this work will continue for the great benefit it has. Thank you for your patronage. Let me not forget to convey to Your Excellency the greetings of your brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi people who wish you good health and happiness and the Indonesian people steady progress and prosperity. Before concluding, I would like to congratulate the winners of all branches of the contest. I salute all participants, wishing them all success. I urge them to memorize Allah's words, abide by His orders and avoid His prohibitions. I also thank all committees of the official Indonesian bodies and the Saudi Embassy which contributed to the success of this Contest. I wish everyone all success. May peace and Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you. --More
