Int’l Qira’at contest in Islamabad Nov 24Pakistan

The ministry has invited nominations from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), along with 11 other countries, including Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, China, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Germany, Tanzania, France, Kenya and the Maldives.

The international event aims to promote the teachings of the Holy Quran and the art of Quranic recitation, while strengthening religious and spiritual ties among Muslim countries.

Renowned Qaris from Egypt and Iran will attend as judges, while Pakistan will be represented by internationally acclaimed Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali.

The ministry said all necessary travel, administrative and logistical arrangements have been finalised to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the competition.

Qira’at competitions bring together reciters from around the world to present the Holy Quran in its traditional melodic styles. Such events are widely followed in Muslim-majority countries and are seen as a way to encourage young reciters and to preserve the art of tajweed.

Pakistan has hosted international Quranic events before, and the competition in Islamabad is expected to draw participants, scholars and audiences from many countries. The three-day programme will feature recitations by leading Qaris from across the Muslim world.

Officials say the event will also provide an opportunity for cultural and religious exchange between Pakistan and the participating countries, and will highlight the country’s role in promoting Quranic learning.

The art of Qira’at has a long tradition in the Muslim world, with reciters trained in the rules of tajweed and in the different recognised styles of recitation. Competitions are held in many countries to recognise outstanding reciters and to encourage younger generations to learn the Quran with correct pronunciation.

Such gatherings are usually attended by religious scholars, students and families, and the recitations are also broadcast to wider audiences. For the host country, an international competition is a chance to welcome guests from many nations and to showcase its own tradition of Quranic recitation.