Talking to the media, Hatlan Al-Hatlan, director of the center’s Al-Raka division, said this is the second year such an event is being held. It is known as Multaqa Al-Shibl Al-Muslim or Muslim Forum.
Al-Hatlan, who presides as a judge at the general court in Alkhobar, said the main theme and focus of the forum is to help Muslim youth understand the important moral values of Islam. More than 5,000 youngsters are expected to attend the activities of the forum each day.
“The idea is to develop a positive thinking among Muslim youth and to make them aware of the wrong notions propagated by certain television programs,” he said. “We want to keep them away from deviant behavior and promote unity among Muslims and our nation and society.”
Ziyad Al-Dayel, executive manager of the Islamic Cultural Center in Al-Raka, said the forum is divided into 30 sessions. These sessions will include cultural, entertainment and educational programs. “Through such programs we want to increase the awareness of our youth and to enhance their personalities,” he said.
One new and interesting program this year will be focused on teaching the youth on how to face the television camera and the different aspects of print media.
“It is called ‘The Young Interviewer’ in which the young men will be given practical lessons on how to stand in front of the camera and narrate a story. They will also be taught various ways of writing a story for a newspaper,” said Al-Dayel.
Also, as part of the programs, training sessions have been organized in cooperation with Weaam organization to increase self-confidence and self-reliance among the youngsters. A number of prizes will be distributed among the winners of various competitions.
The most prominent and significant aspect of the event is the educational session. It will focus on the noble teachings and values of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“There will be quiz competitions focusing on the life and times of Prophet Muhammad. The competition is known as ‘Qudwati’ meaning ‘Muhammad — My Role Model’. This competition will be open to all school students and it will be broadcast live through a studio at the forum,” Al-Dayel.
Al-Hatlan said the organizers have so far spent around SR1 million on the event’s activities. He called on businessmen to support the event because some of the activities have been reduced due to a lack of resources.
“The programs have been very carefully selected by a panel of educational experts, principals and supervisors. We expect students to visit the forum everyday from 10 different schools in Alkhobar, Dhahran and Dammam,” said Riyad Al-Huwaimal, manager of the Islamic Cultural Center in Al-Raka.
The event will be held near Al-Saalah Al-Kadra (Green Hall) in Al-Raka close to the Sports City.
