QOM, Iran (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The final stage of the 16th international Quran and Hadith Olympiad of Al-Mustafa International University kicked off in the holy city of Qom this morning.
The opening ceremony was held at the offcie of Islamic development in Qom with the presence of president of Al-Mustafa International University Ayatollah Ali Reza A’rafi and Quranic deputy of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance Hojat-ol-Islam Hamid Mohammadi.
The program began with choral recitation of the holy Quran by the university’s Tawasheeh group, which is made up of 114 Quran reciters and memorizers, followed by a report by the university’s cultural-educational deputy Hojat-ol-Islam Saleh about the Olympiad.
He said over 9000 of the students of the university and their family members took part in the first stage of the Olympiad in three fields: written, oral and Quranic works.
He added that 120 contenders have made it to the final stage of the event.
Hojat-ol-Islam Hamid Mohammadi was next to take th epodium at the ceremony. He appreciated the university’s efforts for promoting the Quranic culture and stressed that developing the Quranic culture needs faith in the Quran, understanding the Quran and acting upon its teachings.
Later in the program, Ayatollah A’rafi elaborated on Al-Mustafa International University’s Quranic programs and policies.
He also thanked the organizers and particpants at the 16th Quran and Hadith Olympiad as well as organizations that have cooperated in holding the event including the Center for Coordination, Promotion and Development of Quranic Activities.
The Olympiad, which is being held in separate sections for male and female students of Al-Mustafa International University, runs until Wednesday, November 24.
End item/ 129
