The contest this year is held in the name of the late Sheikh Shahat Muhammad Anwar. It runs from December 6 to 10, 2025.

At the opening ceremony, Anwar recited verses 23 and 24 from Surah Al-Isra. Organizers said his performance evoked the legacy of the honored reciter and set a spiritual tone for the event.

Here is a translation of the recited verses:

Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship anyone except Him, and [He has enjoined] kindness to parents. Should any of them or both reach old age at your side, do not say to them, ‘Fie!’ And do not chide them, but speak to them noble words.

Lower the wing of humility to them, mercifully, and say, ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them, just as they reared me when I was [a] small [child]!’

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