Iran Honors Legacy of Karbalaei Kazem Saruqi with National Quranic Award
The event, held at the shrine of Imamzadegan 72 Tan, aimed to celebrate the spiritual legacy of Karbalaei Kazem, a revered Quran memorizer believed to have learned the entire Quran miraculously despite being illiterate.
Mohammad Reza Jafari, executive secretary of the ceremony, described the initiative as the beginning of a long-lasting movement.
"In order for an event to become a lasting cultural phenomenon, a comprehensive process must be developed," Jafari said. "The deeply spiritual and educational value in the story of Karbalaei Kazem holds the potential to evolve into a global, enduring movement."
He explained that the event builds on years of discussion among religious scholars and academics in the region. “This is the beginning of a new chapter and a step toward establishing the Karbalaei Kazem International Foundation,” he noted.
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According to Jafari, the first edition of the award was developed at a national level but is expected to expand internationally over the next two years.
The ceremony included five award categories: Quran memorizer, Quranic artist, Quranic researcher, Quran teacher, and Quranic family. Jafari said, “We held expert sessions to define and select the top nominees in each category with input from a specialist panel.”
In addition to the award presentations, the program featured theatrical performances, video clips, Quranic chants, and speeches.
He emphasized the need to share the life story of Karbalaei Kazem widely. “We must meet public expectations and launch a lasting Quranic movement using cultural and artistic tools,” he said.
The Karbalaei Kazem Medal will continue to be awarded annually in the five Quran-related categories. Organizers hope the program will grow into a broader platform for promoting Quranic values.
Who Was Karbalaei Kazem Saruqi?
Karbalaei Mohammad Kazem was born in 1300 AH (1882 CE) in Saruq, near Arak. He was a farmer and, like many in his village, illiterate. However, according to Islamic tradition, through devotion—including night prayers, avoiding unlawful earnings, and regular payment of religious alms—he was granted by divine favor the ability to memorize the entire Quran.
His unique ability attracted attention from prominent religious scholars in Iran and abroad, many of whom tested and confirmed his memorization. Karbalaei Kazem passed away on the 7th of Muharram in 1377 AH (1958 CE) and was buried in a cemetery in Qom, near the grave of Grand Ayatollah Abdul-Karim Haeri.
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