Int’l Quran Contest Fruit of Iran’s Care for Islamic Unity

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Organizing the Quran competition at an international level and inviting Quran memorizers and reciters from different Islamic countries is the fruit of Iran’s care for unity among Islamic schools of thought.  This is according to Ali Al-Bizal, representative of France in the 28th International Holy Quran Competition in Tehran. He said Shia and Sunni Muslims get tighter in this contest and demonstrate Islamic unity, which was revived by the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran led by the late Imam Khomeini (RA).  “Through holding the contest, the Islamic Republic of Iran is encouraging unity based on the Book of God,” he observed.  He also said reciting the Quran is a means for promoting the Holy book in the world.  Al-Bizal regarded the presence of Quran reciters and memorizers from different countries as a sign of the popularity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which, through the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei, is playing a major role in development of Islam in the world.  He said it was the first time he took part in an international Quranic competition. “In France there is no Quran competition at the national level. There are some Quranic contests held in regional gatherings, though.”  The French Quran reciter said paying attention to the Quran brought about the Islamic awakening in the region, adding that Muslims should eschew discord and disunity through holding fast to the rope of God, namely the Holy Quran.  The 28th Int’l Quran Competition was held in Tehran from June 30 to July 4 with the participation of over 90 Quran reciters and memorizers from 61 countries./129