Members of Iran’s Quranic Convoy for Hajj Announced

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Members of Iran’s Noor (light) Quranic Convoy that will be sent to Saudi Arabia to hold various Quranic programs during Hajj were announced, an official said.

Mohamamd Taqi Mirzajani, executive deputy of the Supreme Quran Council, said the names of those selected to be part of the 20-strong convoy has been provided to the Hajj mission.

He added that a number of Qaris, memorizers and Tawasheeh groups are in the convoy.

Unlike previous years, a selection contest was not held due to the coronavirus restrictions and the members were chosen according to their ranks in national Quran competition, he said, ISNA reported.

Selected Quran reciters, memorizers and Tawasheeh groups from Iran are sent to Saudi Arabia during Hajj annually to perform Quranic programs in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Every year millions of Muslims from around the world gather in the Mecca for the annual Hajj.

Iran also sends pilgrims as well as a groups of Quran activists, known as the Noor (light) Hajj Delegation.

The members of the delegation hold Quranic programs, including Quran recitation session for the pilgrims.

This year, organizing the annual Hajj pilgrimage is in doubt due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In April, Saudi Arabia suspended the year-round Umrah pilgrimage over fears of the coronavirus pandemic spreading to Islam’s holiest cities.

Saudi authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year’s Hajj, scheduled for the end of July. In May, they urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage.