The Ministry of Endowments is launching a free reading competition aimed at all community groups, with a keen focus on enhancing cultural awareness and promoting values of tolerance. This initiative, announced on Sunday, is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to elevate the scientific and cultural standards across various sectors, particularly in religious education.
According to the Ministry's statement, the competition is designed to nurture talents, rectify misconceptions, and reinforce enlightened moderate thought. It emphasizes the importance of Islam's teachings on tolerance and the promotion of moral values, aiming to foster peaceful coexistence among all individuals.
The competition is divided into two distinct branches. The first branch is tailored for imams, preachers, and members of the educational body. Participants in this category will delve into "Comprehensive Sciences and Wisdom" by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, and "Clear Jurisprudence - Part One" by Dr. Muhammad Bakr Ismail. This focus on foundational texts aims to equip religious leaders with the necessary knowledge to guide their communities effectively.
Meanwhile, the second branch opens its doors to a broader audience, including doctors, engineers, teachers, students, and various other community members. This group will engage with "Easy Jurisprudence - The Worship Section" by Dr. Muhammad Sayed Tantawi, and "Virtues of Egypt and the Advantages of its People" by Dr. Muhammad Moussa al-Sharif. The inclusion of these texts is intended to promote a deeper understanding of both religious and national identity.
To incentivize participation, the Ministry has allocated significant financial prizes for winners in both branches. The first prize amounts to 35,000 Egyptian pounds, awarded to those who achieve a score of 75% or higher in both written and oral tests. The second prize is set at 20,000 Egyptian pounds for participants who score 70% or more. Additionally, twenty more prizes of 10,000 Egyptian pounds each will be given to those who score 60% or above.
The Ministry encourages interested individuals to fill out the application form available on its official website, "Awqaf Online," within two weeks of the announcement. The initial tests are scheduled to commence in July 2025, providing ample time for participants to prepare.
In a related effort, Dr. Asamaa Rslan, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Endowments, spoke about the "Correct Your Concepts" campaign, which aims to address and rectify social behaviors and religious misconceptions. This campaign is particularly focused on incidents such as stone-throwing at trains in rural areas.
During a recent appearance on DMC's program "Today," hosted by Sherine Eftet, Dr. Rslan emphasized the importance of addressing multiple societal issues through this campaign. He noted that the Ministry is working alongside various institutions, including Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, to tackle these challenges collaboratively.
Dr. Rslan stated, "We are dealing with a range of issues, some of which can be termed as phenomena. The awareness efforts from the railways, the Ministry of Endowments, and other state institutions have led to a reduction in the occurrence of these incidents. However, when such events do occur, they generate significant media coverage due to their negative impact on society."
He further explained that the current goal is to understand the magnitude of these phenomena and the role the Ministry plays in raising awareness. He stressed that building correct awareness is crucial for creating a cohesive society capable of avoiding many evils.
The campaign is designed to reach all age groups, recognizing that effective communication and education are vital in fostering a well-informed community. The Ministry of Endowments is committed to ensuring that its initiatives resonate with the public and contribute positively to society.
As the Ministry embarks on these ambitious projects, it seeks to engage the community actively, encouraging participation in both the reading competition and the awareness campaign. By promoting knowledge and understanding, the Ministry aims to cultivate a culture of enlightenment and cooperation among the diverse segments of Egyptian society.
The free reading competition and the "Correct Your Concepts" campaign reflect the Ministry's broader vision of not only enhancing religious education but also fostering a society that values knowledge, tolerance, and mutual respect. These initiatives are expected to play a significant role in shaping a more informed and cohesive community, capable of navigating the complexities of modern life while staying rooted in its cultural and religious heritage.
