Kazakhstan’s 2nd International Quran Competition Opens in Astana

IQNA – The second edition of the International Quran Recitation and Memorization Competition began on 15 October at the Grand Mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, the event brings together 22 participants from 21 countries to compete in full Quran memorization and recitation before a panel of judges.

The competition, held as part of the celebrations for Kazakhstan’s Republic Day and the 35th anniversary of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, features representatives from countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Palestine, Morocco, Algeria, Jordan, Türkiye, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Chechnya and Tatarstan.

Speaking at the opening, Grand Mufti Nauryzbai Kazhy Taganuly, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, highlighted the role of the Quran in society and family life.

“At the beginning of the year, we declared 2025 the ‘Year of Islam and Family Values’ for religious workers. Today’s international Quran competition will be one of the most significant initiatives within this framework. A person who implements the verses of the Quran cares for the family, raises children properly, and views their spouse as a trust from God,” he said.

According to organizers, the competition will continue for two days and will conclude on Thursday with a closing ceremony featuring Sheikh Nuri-Zhubai Otebnuf, the Grand Mufti of Kazakhstan, along with ministers, ambassadors from participating countries, scholars and senior religious figures.

The ceremony will include the honoring of winners and the presentation of awards.

The event aims to highlight the importance of the Quran in the lives of Muslims and strengthen bonds of Islamic brotherhood.

Hojat-ol-Islam Seyyed Ali Hosseini from Qom, selected by the Quran Affairs Center of Iran’s Endowments and Charity Organization, is representing the Islamic Republic of Iran in the competition.

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