60 Reciters from 38 Countries to Attend Indonesia’s 4th Int’l Quran Contest
The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs will host the 4th international Quran recitation competition Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) in Jakarta from January 28 to February 2, 2025.
Director of Islamic religious information at the ministry, Ahmad Zayadi, said that the International MTQ aims to strengthen Indonesia's position as a center for global Islamic civilization.
"Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, about 237 million, or 87 percent of our total population. This gives Indonesia a strong role to lead in the moderate and peaceful promotion of Islam," he added on Monday.
He said that the International MTQ is more than just a Quran recitation competition. It is also an opportunity to showcase Indonesia's moderate, tolerant, and inclusive Islamic identity, he expounded.
"The International MTQ contributes to Indonesia's soft diplomacy by enhancing bilateral and multilateral relationships with various countries," he added.
Zayadi noted that this year's International MTQ will be the first to be held in ten years, with the last edition taking place in 2015.
"There is a high enthusiasm among participants, as shown by the more than 187 countries that took part in the pre-qualification stage at the end of 2023," he informed.
Head of the ministry's Sub-Directorate of Al Quran Tilawah and Musabaqah Agency, Rijal Ahmad Rangkuty, said that his side is collaborating with several organizations, including the Foreign Affairs Ministry, to organize the International MTQ.
"We are committed to showcasing our best capabilities. We keep strengthening communication with participants and the international jury to ensure the event runs smoothly," he added.
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The 4th International MTQ will feature many other activities, such as an international seminar on the Quran, a discussion on the development of Islamic calligraphy in Indonesia, and a tour of the Silaturahmi Tunnel at Istiqlal Mosque.
Source: en.antaranews.com
