The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Youcef Belmehdi, presided over the opening of a study day titled “Ramadan: Commemorating the Memory of Martyrs… and a Symbol of Sacrifice and Redemption” at the Sheikh Ahmed Sahnoun House of the Holy Quran in the capital on Tuesday.
In a speech delivered during the event, held under the slogan “Martyr’s Day: A Renewed Covenant… and a Nation Being Built” to mark National Martyr’s Day on February 18, the Minister highlighted the close link between the month of Ramadan and struggle for the sake of God. He recalled that the obligation of fasting and the Battle of Badr both occurred in the second year of the Hijra, noting that the martyrs of Badr provided an eternal model of faith and sacrifice, leading the day to be called “Yawm al-Furqan” for its role in distinguishing truth from falsehood.
Belmehdi emphasized that Algeria’s martyrs are an extension of that school of faith, having watered the homeland’s soil with their blood during 132 years of colonialism. He stated that their sacrifices were instrumental in preserving Algeria, safeguarding its identity, and reviving the nation after every ordeal. He pointed out that the crimes committed against Algerians, including genocide, destruction, the use of toxic gases, and bombings, remain a testament to the scale of suffering and the greatness of their resilience.
The Minister explained that Martyr’s Day is more than a symbolic occasion; it is a time to renew the covenant and draw inspiration from the values of sacrifice. Citing the Quranic verse, “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise,” he described martyrdom as a profitable transaction with God, through which the martyr attains the highest status.
In a related context, the Minister called for utilizing the month of Ramadan to deepen the connection with God, honor the Holy Quran, and enrich gatherings with remembrance and acts of worship. He also urged for the proper reception of mosque-goers and encouraged them to adhere to religious values so that the holy month’s impact reflects in the behavior of individuals and society.
Belmehdi concluded his speech by stressing the necessity of drawing inspiration from the spirit of the martyrs to face challenges, strengthen national unity, practice self-discipline, and cooperate in righteousness and piety.
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