Social Reform Society Honors Its Distinguished Member, Muhammad Hamad Al-Ali
Al-Ali Won First Place in the 2024 Kuwait International Quran Memorization and Recitation Competition
On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the Social Reform Society held an honoring ceremony for Sheikh Muhammad Hamad Al-Ali, the Executive Director of the Quranic Secretariat at the society, on the occasion of his winning first place (Ten Readings category) in the 13th session of the Kuwait International Quran Memorization and Recitation Competition of 2024.
The ceremony, held at the Diwan of Uncle Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Mutawa, witnessed a large attendance of official figures, ambassadors, scholars, preachers, as well as charity workers, intellectuals, and media personnel.
In his statement, Dr. Khaled Madkour Al-Madkour, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Social Reform Society, said: “We gather to celebrate the Book of Allah and the preservers of the Quran.” He added that since its establishment, the Social Reform Society's fundamental principle has been to make the Quran its foundation.
Dr. Al-Mathkour continued: “We are pleased to welcome the esteemed representatives of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the honorable ambassadors or their deputies, and all the present guests in this blessed gathering. We ask Allah to reward everyone for their presence and participation.”
He pointed out the honor by saying: “Today we celebrate one of our distinguished sons, one of the sons of the Social Reform Society, Sheikh Muhammad Hamad Al-Ali, for winning the first prize in the international Quran memorization competition held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir of the country, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah protect him.”
He continued: “We celebrate him and others like him among the youth who were raised in this blessed society and memorized the Holy Quran, described by Allah in His saying: ‘Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable’ (Al-Isra: 9), emphasizing that the Quran is the best guidance in a person's life, whether in himself, his family, his society, or in all his affairs. A Quran memorizer is not merely someone who memorizes the verses but someone who makes them a way of life and acts upon them in all aspects.”
Dr. Al-Mathkour concluded: “We also celebrate another achievement, which is the Golden Shield awarded to the Social Reform Society in the General Secretariat of Awqaf Competition, held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir.”
In his speech, Salmi Al-Mutairi, representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, said: “We gather today on this blessed occasion to celebrate a distinguished personality and a great achievement that raises our heads and fills our hearts with joy. Today, we honor Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, who honored us by winning first place in the Kuwait International Quran Memorization Award.”
He affirmed that this achievement reflects the value of effort and perseverance in memorizing the Holy Quran, which is a light that illuminates hearts and a glory nations take pride in. Memorizing the Holy Quran is a great honor, unmatched by any other honor, and a blessing from Allah bestowed only on those He loves and chooses. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali is a model to be emulated, as he excelled and distinguished himself in memorizing the Quran, crowning this distinction by winning first place in one of the most prestigious international competitions.
Al-Mutairi added that this achievement is not only a pride for Sheikh Muhammad but for all of us; his family, his community, and the entire Muslim Ummah. It is a reminder of the importance of adhering to the Book of Allah, learning and teaching it, memorizing and reflecting upon it, to achieve goodness and happiness in this world and the hereafter.
Waqf Fund for the Quran
For his part, Sheikh Yahya Suleiman Al-Aqili, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Mercy Association, congratulated Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, saying: “We congratulate Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali on achieving this honorable accomplishment in the prestigious competition that Kuwait is proud of annually. We also congratulate the Social Reform Society on winning the Golden Shield in this prestigious competition.”
He added: “There is no doubt that this crowning is a blessed fruit and the realization of one of the blessed Social Reform Society's goals of raising the youth to memorize the Holy Quran.” He continued: “It is an honor for us at the Mercy Association to participate in this honor and celebrate Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, as Allah Almighty said: ‘And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you will be questioned’ (Az-Zukhruf: 44).”
Al-Aqili pointed out that Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali is a source of pride and honor for his parents, family, descendants, the Social Reform Society, the people of Kuwait, and the entire Muslim Ummah. He affirmed that the Quran is an honor for those who memorize, reflect upon, act upon, and follow it as a way of life. Allah raises some people by this Book and brings others low by it. Whoever honors a Quran memorizer gains a great honor.
He added: “We are honored today to celebrate Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali for this blessed achievement, remembering Allah’s saying: ‘[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded’ (Sad: 29). The true blessing is in spreading goodness and benefit to everyone who recites this Book, memorizes it, teaches it, or draws near to it in their behavior and life. This honor is a message to all of us about the necessity of drawing closer to the Quran and making it a way of life and a constitution for this blessed country, Kuwait, and for the Muslim Ummah.”
In conclusion, Al-Aqili announced that the Golden Shield of the International Mercy Association is a share in the Quranic Waqf fund, which we consider the best gift we offer to the honorable memorizer Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, who honored us all with this achievement.
Dr. Hamad Al-Mazroui, Head of the Dawah and Sharia Awareness Sector at the Social Reform Society, said: “Responding to the Prophet's saying: ‘Indeed, from the reverence of Allah is to honor the carrier of the Quran,’ and Allah's saying: ‘That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts’ (Al-Hajj: 32), we celebrate today the carrier of the Holy Book, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, who is a model to be emulated.”
He added that Sheikh Muhammad is among the best of people, based on the Prophet's saying: ‘The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.’ He combined learning and teaching to be a role model in spreading the sciences of the Quran. The Dawah Sector honors Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali by presenting a commemorative shield and a Quran distinguished by an innovative idea. This Quran does not contain written verses; instead, it is designed for Sheikh Muhammad to inscribe the verses himself in his beautiful handwriting.
Al-Mazroui explained: “As Allah preserved the Quran in Sheikh Muhammad’s heart, we seek for this preservation to be manifested in writing. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali will write this Book, having memorized it by heart.”
Namaa Charity Extends a Helping Hand to Syrian Refugees Facing Severe Winter
Amid harsh winter conditions that exacerbate the suffering of Syrian refugees, Namaa Charity, in collaboration with the Social Reform Society, concluded a comprehensive relief program targeting 4,880 beneficiaries to alleviate their hardships and strengthen their resilience against the biting cold.
The campaign, attended by Khalid Mubarak Al-Shammari, Director of the Relief Department, was initiated in response to the urgent need for food, warmth, and winter clothing, highlighting Namaa Charity’s commitment to supporting refugees in the most challenging circumstances.
Al-Shammari explained that the campaign included distributing various winter aid. He stated, "We ensured the campaign addressed multiple needs, distributing food baskets to the most vulnerable families, and providing heating materials including firewood and charcoal to help them cope with the severe cold. We also launched a clothing program for orphans, supplying new winter clothes for children, which added joy and warmth to their hearts. Additionally, we distributed vouchers to needy families so they could buy what suited their needs with dignity."
Al-Shammari emphasized that this campaign is not merely about distributing aid; it represents a humanitarian message reflecting the values of generosity that characterize Namaa Charity and the State of Kuwait. He clarified that our goal is not only to meet urgent needs but also to enhance the dignity of refugees and ensure their resilience in facing the harsh winter challenges. This campaign is part of the "Be A Help to Them" initiative launched by Namaa Charity to assist those in need in the most affected countries during the winter season.
He pointed out that the humanitarian work carried out by Namaa Charity stems from a religious and ethical obligation to support refugees, saying, "The positive feedback we received from the beneficiaries was our greatest motivation to continue our journey. Mothers expressed their gratitude for the clothes that brought warmth to their children's hearts, while fathers found in the coal and firewood a lifeline during the harsh winter nights."
Al-Shammari praised Kuwait's leading role in charitable and humanitarian work, noting that this campaign is just one link in a series of sustainable projects implemented by Namaa Charity to relieve the suffering of refugees. He stated that Kuwait will continue to be a beacon of humanitarian work globally, and we are committed to providing essential assistance to everyone in need. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference in the lives of those facing the hardships of winter.
Through this campaign, Namaa Charity reaffirms its commitment to continued humanitarian work and calls on everyone to contribute to these relief efforts, which embody the spirit of generosity and human solidarity.
“Balad Al-Khair” Launches “Water Distribution Project” in Collaboration with the General Secretariat for Endowments
The Blessed Country Association has launched the "Water Distribution Project," which aims to provide clean water in many areas within the State of Kuwait, in collaboration with the General Secretariat for Endowments.
In recent times, there has been cooperation between the association and the General Secretariat for Endowments to implement several charitable projects within the State of Kuwait.
Osman Al-Thuwaini, the Director of the Blessed Country Association, confirmed that the "Water Distribution Project" is one form of fruitful cooperation with the General Secretariat for Endowments, which has led to the provision of 442,500 bottles of water that were distributed in various areas across Kuwait, benefiting poor workers, mosque-goers, hospitals, and others.
He added that the "Water Distribution Project" provided 22,125 water boxes at a total cost of 9,956 KWD.
Al-Thuwaini pointed out that the Blessed Country Association has contracted with Al-Rumaih General Trading and Contracting Company (Ain Water), and a delegation representing the General Secretariat for Endowments visited the water production factory. The implementation of the water distribution plan in areas affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Awqaf, the Municipality of Kuwait, public places, and new residential and labor areas under construction has already begun.
The Director of the Blessed Country Association emphasized that thousands of beneficiaries have received clean water, especially in areas where water is not readily available nearby.
Al-Thuwaini continued that water distribution projects are among the most important charitable projects that the association seeks to implement due to the pressing need of people for water, which they cannot do without at any time. Additionally, providing water is one of the best charitable deeds and the best form of almsgiving. Hence, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "The best charity is giving water to drink" (Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Al-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah).
The Director of the Blessed Country Association concluded by affirming that the coming period will witness further efforts in light of everyone's commitment to extend a helping hand to all those in need, as well as to exert more efforts to improve the lives of beneficiaries in Kuwait.
"Balad Al-Khair" announces the availability of food supplies for 1,600 individuals through the "Ishiyat Bank" project
Continuing its strategy to provide assistance to underprivileged and needy families in the State of Kuwait, the Balad Al-Khair Society announced the implementation of the "Ishiyat Bank" project to offer food provisions to hundreds of individuals from the most in-need categories.
The project comes in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Awqaf and aims to provide prepaid cards to underprivileged families to facilitate their purchasing of food supplies.
Othman Al-Thuwaini, Director of Balad Al-Khair Society, confirmed that the collaboration with the General Secretariat of Awqaf ensured the launch of several important charitable projects that aim to meet the needs of citizens from orphan families and those experiencing difficult living conditions. Among these projects, the Ishiyat Bank project stands out for providing food.
He noted that many underprivileged families are currently living in very difficult conditions due to financial hardships, and there are also families with patients, the elderly, orphans in education, and others, all of whom need urgent support to meet their basic needs.
Al-Thuwaini continued that Balad Al-Khair Society recognizes the suffering of these underprivileged families, which is why the fruitful cooperation with the Awqaf Secretariat is aimed at providing prepaid cards that families can use to purchase food and drink, with the cost of the purchased items being deducted from the card.
The Director of Balad Al-Khair Society added that many social research studies had been conducted on the targeted families to assess their circumstances and determine their eligibility for assistance. Based on these studies, 1,600 individuals were identified as beneficiaries of the project, calculated by allocating 25 K.D. for each family member sufficient for one month, allowing the family to buy their food and drink needs through the cards.
Al-Thuwaini pointed out that the goal has been achieved, and they have managed to assist needy families, witnessing smiles appearing on their faces after receiving the necessary help. He added that the coming period will, God willing, witness the launch of more charitable projects covering various aspects of the needs of underprivileged families in Kuwait.
The Balad Al-Khair Society works to improve the humanitarian conditions for many beneficiaries, as it is rooted in the "Kuwait of Good" to extend help to those in distress, in accordance with the directives of our noble Sharia, and to achieve the lofty goal of humanity, so that good prevails and tranquility is realized.
Namaa Charity helps Syrian refugees in southern Turkey
The Kuwaiti Namaa Charity concluded on Tuesday a comprehensive humanitarian program aimed at providing support and relief to 4,880 Syrian refugees in the regions of Urfa, Gaziantep, Kilis, Antakya, and Reyhanlı in southern Turkey. Khaled Al-Shammari, an official with the charity, stated in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the program included the distribution of food baskets, winter clothing for orphans, heating materials to help them face the harsh cold, and vouchers for the most needy families, allowing them to purchase their essential needs.
Al-Shammari pointed out that this program is part of a campaign launched by Namaa Charity to provide relief to those in need in winter in the most affected countries. He emphasized that Namaa is committed to reinforcing Kuwait’s leading role in humanitarian work, providing essential assistance, and embodying the foundation’s vision in promoting values of cooperation and humanitarian solidarity. — KUNA
Kuwait sends 9th planeload of aid to Lebanon
The ninth plane of the Kuwaiti aid airbridge arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday carrying 40 tons of food aid as part of the Kuwaiti humanitarian airlift to assist Lebanon, in light of the hardships faced by the Lebanese people due to Zionist occupation assaults.
In a statement to KUNA, the First Secretary at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Beirut Abdullah Al-Diyin, who was present to receive the plane, said: “In implementation of the directives of the political leadership in Kuwait and as part of the (Kuwait is by Your Side) campaign, and continuing the Kuwaiti humanitarian airlift to support our brothers in Lebanon, the ninth plane of the Kuwaiti air force arrived, carrying 40 tons of food supplies, which will be handed over to the Higher Relief Committee in Lebanon.”
Al-Diyin added: “On this occasion, we reaffirm our pride and appreciation for all the concerned parties involved in delivering this aid to the brotherly Lebanese people, foremost among them the Kuwaiti air force, Kuwait Red Crescent Society and Kuwaiti charitable organizations.”
Brig Gen Ahmed Ibrahim, a representative of the Lebanese Higher Relief Commission, expressed his gratitude to Kuwait, both the leadership and the people, for their constant presence in supporting Lebanon and providing assistance. He praised Kuwait’s distinguished role in humanitarian work and its swift response to support its brothers. Alongside Al-Diyin, Brig Gen Ibrahim was also present to welcome the Kuwaiti air force plane. — KUNA
