Iran opens 34th Int’l Quran Contest

Tehran has started playing host to the 34th edition of Iran’s International Holy Quran Competition.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani inaugurated the competition during a ceremony at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini (RA) Mosalla (prayer ground) on Wednesday evening.

A number of other political, religious figures, as well as Quranic and cultural officials also attended the ceremony which was commenced after recitation of Quran verses by Iranian globally-known Qari Seyyed-Javad Hosseini.

Followed by playing Iran’s national anthem, Head of Awqaf and Charity Affairs Organization Hojat-ol-Islam Ali Mohammadi explained that it is the first time an Islamic country holds five international Quran competitions at the same time.

This year the main contest is being hold along with four other international Quran competitions, including separate sections for women, the visually-impaired, school students and seminary students.

Mohammadi said a number of programs are arranged on the sidelines of the competitions, including an international Quranic studies conference titled ‘Quran and Culture of Revolution’.

The keynote speaker of the opening ceremony, Larijani, noted the magnificent status of the Holy Quran, adding “It is the book that guides to the best path.”

“In all circumstances, Muslims should refer to the Holy Quran for guidance,” he added.

The international Quranic event, gathering more than 270 Quran activists from 83 countries together, will go on at Mosalla until April 25.

MG/MG