Algiers, DZWatch – Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Youcef Belmahdi, presided over the opening of a scholarly event titled “Reading Sahih al-Bukhari in the Month of Rajab: Linking Religious Heritage with National Symbolism – Emir Abdelkader as a Model” at Dar al-Imam in Mohammadia, Algiers, on Monday. The event marked the official commencement of readings of Sahih al-Bukhari and Muwatta Imam Malik with the advent of the month of Rajab.
The gathering was attended by officials from the central administration, members of the Ministerial Committee for Fatwa, and a group of Imams and female religious guides. Imams from across the country also participated remotely via video conferencing.
In his address, Minister Belmahdi emphasized the virtues of the month of Rajab and Mondays, highlighting their significance in spreading goodness and reviving the Sunnah. He noted that reading books of Sunnah is a well-established scholarly and religious tradition in Algeria, receiving special attention due to its spiritual and academic value, particularly in light of attempts to cast doubt on the Sunnah.
The Minister invoked the qualities of Emir Abdelkader during these blessed days, emphasizing that he combined Jihad and knowledge, fighting colonialism by day and meeting with his students by night to study Sahih al-Bukhari, in reverence for the Prophetic Sunnah.
Minister Belmahdi also highlighted the great care given by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to the preservation of the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, including honoring those who excel in memorizing the Quran and studying Hadith.
In a statement to the media, the Minister explained that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments is committed to reviving this established tradition in all mosques across the country. The readings of Sahih al-Bukhari and Muwatta Imam Malik will begin on the second day of Rajab and continue until Laylat al-Qadr, with honors bestowed upon those who memorize and consistently study the Prophetic Sunnah.
The Minister emphasized that this auspicious tradition represents an authentic cultural and religious heritage for Algeria, recalling in this context the symbolism of Emir Abdelkader, the founder of modern Algeria, who persevered in reading Sahih al-Bukhari even during his struggle against colonialism and continued to do so in Damascus.
The Minister concluded by affirming Algeria’s continued commitment to serving the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, supporting mosques and Quran and Sunnah memorizers, and consolidating the national religious reference that the Algerian people cherish.
