First Quran competition of universities launches in Iraq

The first Quran competition for Iraq’s universities and academic centres has been launched by the Astan (custodianship) of Hazarat Abbas (AS) holy shrine, reports the International Quran News Agency. The participants compete on Quran memorisation and recitation along with interpretation, according to Al-Kafeel website.

Sayed Mohnad al-Miyali, the director of the Quran Scientific Assembly of the Astan, said the competition began at the universities of Baghdad and Al-Mustansiriya and has now reached the University of Basra. The contest is specifically for students who are memorisers and reciters of the Quran, he stated. It focuses on the recitation as well as mastery of the interpretation of the Quranic text and contemplation of its concepts, he noted.

Quranic activities have significantly developed in Iraq since the 2003 overthrow of former dictator Saddam Hussein. There has been a growing trend of Quranic programmes such as competitions, recitation sessions and educational programmes held in the country in recent years.
Full report on the IQNA site