Iraqi Qari Stresses Importance of Competitions in Attracting Youths to Quran

IQNA – Iraq’s representative in the recitation category of Iran’s 41st International Quran Competition, highlighted the significant role of Quran competitions in attracting young people to learn the Holy Quran.

Speaking to IQNA on the sidelines of the competition’s final round in Mashhad, Ahmad Razaq Al-Dalfi added that such competitions also promote understanding the meanings of the divine words, and strengthen the youths’ Quranic culture.

Anyone who learns the Quran has acquired everything and develops a strong character through God’s teachings, he stated, adding that becoming equipped with the knowledge of Quranic sciences would mean no deviation, soft warfare, or immoral influences can affect them.

One of the benefits of organizing these competitions is the continuation of Quranic activities and motivating young people to learn the Quran, as well as showcasing talents that haven't had the opportunity to advance until now, he noted.

Additionally, the gathering of representatives from different countries around the Quran fosters familiarity and friendship among them, and listening to the Quran will heal hearts, al-Dalfi said.

He also hailed the special spiritual atmosphere in the competition due to it being organized at the holy mausoleum of Imam Reza (AS).

Asked about his Quranic journey, the Iraqi reciter said, “From childhood, I started learning the Quran from my parents and teachers, and thankfully, I was able to gradually master the Holy Quran over the course of 6-7 years.

As for his style of recitation, he said, “The famous qaris I imitate are Sheikh Mustafa Ismail, Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad, Sheikh Minshawi, and Sheikh Shahat Muhammad Anwar, who are well-known Egyptian reciters. Among Iraqi reciters, I imitate Sheikh Osama Al-Karbalayi, and among Iranian reciters, I follow Master Karim Mansouri.”

Quran reciters and memorizers from 144 countries took part in the preliminary round of Iran’s 41st International Holy Quran Competition and from among them, representatives of 27 countries have made it to the finals in the men and women sections.

 

The finals, underway in the northeastern hoy city of Mashhad, will wrap up on Friday in a closing ceremony where top winners will be named and awarded.

The International Holy Quran Competition of the Islamic Republic of Iran is annually organized by the country’s Awqaf and Charity Affairs Organization.

It aims to promote the Quranic culture and values among Muslims and showcase the talents of Quran reciters and memorizers.

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