The Arabic Language Day celebrated in Luxembourg

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, a special cultural event took place in Kirchberg, the capital of Luxembourg, in celebration of World Arabic Language Day, organized by Shoura – the Assembly of the Muslim Community of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The event began with the recitation of verses from Surah Yusuf by the young reciter Sufjan Mustafić. Following this, Shoura President Jasmin Jahić greeted the attendees. The Muslim religious leader, hfz. Hilmija Redžić, saluting the audience, emphasized that Arabic is the language of the Quran, thus the language of knowledge and wisdom, but above all, the language of love for Allah the Almighty. He then referred to the examples of renowned Arabic poets.

Professor at Sorbonne University, Dr. Ramzi Romdhani, delivered a lecture on the theme: Issues and Challenges of the Arabic Language. He highlighted that it is a language where each word is like a tree. From every root word, a tree with hundreds and thousands of words of the same root is formed. Arab writers have been a source of inspiration for Europeans, added the professor. However, not only inspiration, but also blatant examples of copying works from old Arabic literature by European writers, in the form of classic copying, giving rise to Robinson Crusoe, The Divine Comedy, Don Quixote, and other globally known works. Questions and advice on how to preserve and promote the Arabic language for future generations followed the presentation.

The event featured numerous cultural and educational activities. Educational booths offering Arabic literature for children, as well as booths for Arabic calligraphy, captured the attention of both children and adults. Details of Arab lifestyle, such as traditional leuhi, carpets, blankets, lamps, utensils, and Arab sweets were also showcased. The Shoura booth combined the culinary tradition of Luxembourg’s Muslims—a blend of European and Oriental cuisine. Children’s activities, including various play corners, with the knowledge quiz being the most interesting at the end of the event, garnered significant attention.