RIYADH — The first OFW Qur'an Reading Contest in Riyadh will be held during the coming Ramadan.
Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla announced the project during a Kanduri (thanksgiving and welcome) gathering last Friday at the Philippine Embassy here.
The occasion celebrated the assumption of the Guinomla as the new Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom and the Republic of Yemen.
The event was organized by the Philippine Embassy and POLO Muslim staff, in cooperation with the various Muslim organizations in Riyadh.
Guinomla called on every qari (reader of the Holy Qur'an) in the Muslim community to prepare for the Ramadan Qurían Reading Contest.
The ambassador, in cooperation with Arab News, organized the first Qur'an Reading Contest in Jeddah, when he was then consul general in the Western Province in 1996.
He stressed the need for solidarity and cooperation among the Muslims from the southern Philippines.
Ambassador Guinomla said unity is the only way to overcome tribal differences in the Muslim community and achieve inter-communal harmony.
He said the main Muslim tribes in the Philippines share common heritage.
"I have no doubt that all the different Muslim tribes in the south ó the Maguindanaons, the Maranaos, the Tausugs, Iranon and others will be united, since they all share common tradition, lifestyle, faith and, above all, a common denominator which is water, the source of life," he said.
Among those present during last weekendís gathering was a delegation from the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, composed of Taha A. Guinomla, administrative officer and brother of the ambassador; Trade Representative/Commercial Attaché Paisal Abdullah; along with officers Omar Mitmug, Gene Pungguinaguina, Mutapha Glang, and Fred Mangondato.
In his speech, Guinomla said he sent an invitation to the Jeddah mission to attend the gathering "to demonstrate my vision of one entity working as one team."
He also underlined the efforts of the President Gloria Arroyo to economically uplift the Muslim community in the Philippines.
Guinomla further expressed his support for Haj for which he promised to provide all possible facilities and assistance.
Attaché Acas Bayabao delivered the welcome speech in the Maranao vernacular, followed by the traditional welcome of kulintang, a symbol of understanding, love and unity among Muslims community. Ustad Abdul Wahid read verses from the Qur'an.
The gathering was attended by leaders and representatives of the various groups OFW groups in Riyadh, including the Federation of Ranao Organizations in Riyadh, the Basak Consultative and Development Council; Saidali Malik (Basak), Masiu, Malumbay International, Tamparan, Molundo, Gabay OFW Congress of Riyadh, UMA, Moriatao Diwan, Marawians, Unayan, Marantao, and Shakba International.