Vice President Faisal Naseem has inaugurated the 35th National Quran Recitation Competition being held at the King Salman Mosque. He also opened the Mahrajan Al-Quran festival on the mosque grounds.
Speaking at the function, Vice President Naseem highlighted the significance the administration attaches to spreading knowledge of the Holy Quran and religious education. He highlighted the growing number of children memorising the Holy Quran and competing in international recitation competitions and extended his gratitude to the National Centre for the Holy Quran, teachers, and parents. He also encouraged everyone to recite the Holy Quran as often as possible, learn to understand its meaning and strive to follow the holy book's teachings.
Also at the function, Minister of State for Islamic Affairs Ilyas Jamal said the National Centre for the Holy Quran has expanded its work since establishing itself at King Salman Mosque. He said the centre aims to utilise the mosque to hold classes and discussions on religious matters. He added that teachers are being taught to use braille to teach blind students.
The National Quran Recitation Competition has been held by the government since 1981 and it is organised to encourage the love of reciting the Holy Quran in the hearts of individuals. A total of 1,023 competitors are participating in this year’s Quran competition, including hafizes and individuals representing schools, local councils, clubs and organisations, companies, and institutions. As such, 600 participants are competing in the category of recitation, 409 are competing in the category of recitation by heart, and 13 are competing in the hafiz category.