Int’l Quran Contest for Students Manifesting Islamic Values in Iran
In a time when there are many currents trying to distance the younger generation from ethical values, the International Quran Competition for Muslim Students, which is hosted by Iran, is a manifestation of the pure Islamic values in Iranian society, Sheikh Muhammad Ihsan al-Sayyid Hassan told IQNA.
He praised the Islamic Republic for its efforts to promote the Quranic teachings, saying, "I have seen no country in the Muslim world that pays so much attention to the Quran and Quran activists as Iran.”
Sheikh Hassan dismissed anti-Iran and anti-Shia propaganda that Shia Muslims do not give enough attention to the Quran, saying that organization of the Quranic competition is clear evidence to refute such claims.
He further called for inclusion of a women’s section to the international Quranic event in the future editions, saying that it is important to promote the Quran among women, who are responsible for raising the next generation.
As for the host city, he said holding the competition in the holy city of Mashhad and near the mausoleum of Imam Reza (AS) enhances the event’s spiritual atmosphere.
Elsewhere, Sheikh Hassan hailed the international Quran competition for Muslim students as a venue for strengthening Islamic unity among students from different Muslim countries.
Mashhad is scheduled to host the 6th edition of the International Quran Competition for Muslim Students on January 31- February 3, 2017.
The Iranian Academics Quranic Activities Organization, affiliated to the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, has organized the competition biennially since 2006 with the aim of promoting unity and cooperation among Muslim world students and elevating the level of Quranic activities.
Sheikh Muhammad Ihsan al-Sayyid Hassan is the Sheikh al-Qura (top Qari) of Syria and a member of the Supreme Quranic Affairs Council at the Arab country’s Awqaf ministry.
He also heads the ministry’s committee for assessment and giving permission for Khatibs (orators) and prayer leaders.
