Algerian Qari Urges ISESCO Support for Muslim Students Int’l Quran Contest
Speaking to IQNA, Master Nureddin Muhammadi told IQNA that the Quranic event is worthy of receiving support from the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).
ISESCO is a specialized institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the fields of Education, Science and Culture. It aims to strengthen, promote and consolidate cooperation among its member states in the fields of education, science, culture and communication, as well as develop and upgrade these fields, within the framework of the civilizational reference of the Islamic world and in the light of human Islamic values and ideals. The organization also aspires to publicize the correct image of Islam and Islamic culture.
The Algerian Quran expert also said that Quran competitions play a major role in raising awareness among the youth, especially university students.
He added that such events can serve as venues for informing the youth about the threat of Takfiri currents and their deviated ideas.
They also provide an opportunity for the young participants to interact and share their Quranic experiences in a spiritual atmosphere, he stated.
The 6th edition of the International Quran Competition for Muslim Students is slated to be held in the holy city of Mashhad, northeast Iran, on January 31- February 3, 2017.
The Iranian Academics Quranic Activities Organization, affiliated to the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, has organized the competition biennially since 2006 with the aim of promoting unity and cooperation among Muslim world students and elevating the level of Quranic activities.
Nureddin Muhammadi, who has served a member of jury panels in several international Quran contests, further referred to a Hadith by the Holy prophet (PBUH), "The best among you is one who learns the Quran and teaches it,” saying that the Quranic competition is a step in the direction of enhancing this virtue, that is, learning and teaching the Quran.
He also cited the Quranic verse "You are one nation and I am your Lord. Worship Me.” (Surah al-Anbiya, verse 92) and underlined the importance of such Quranic events in promoting Islamic unity and countering sectarian seditions.
Asked about sideline programs, he suggested that activities and customs related to teaching of the Quran in different Islamic countries be introduced on the sidelines of the competition.
There can also be workshops on topics like Quranic calligraphy and Tawasheeh (religious signing), he added.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Muhammadi talked about Quranic activities in his country, saying that every year numerous Quran competition are held in Algeria, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
He said one of them is a competition on Tafsir (interpretation) and Tajweed recitation of the Quran organized on the occasion of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday and the other is the Taj al-Quran contest held by Algeria’s TV in Ramadan with the participation of university students.
