Iran’s annual International Qur’an Contest has been recognized as the largest Qur’anic event globally, with participants from over 110 countries. According to Hamid Majidimehr, head of the Awqaf and Charity Affairs Organization’s Qur’anic Affairs Center, this competition surpasses other international Qur’anic contests, which typically see participation from no more than 70 countries. The 40th edition of the event, held in Tehran in February 2024, reflects the growing influence of Iran’s Qur’anic discourse worldwide.
Majidimehr also highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many countries suspended their Qur’an competitions, Iran continued to hold its national and international contests virtually, setting an example for other nations.
In addition to the competition, Iran is hosting a large-scale Qur’anic initiative, “I Love the Qur’an,” which aims to engage one million Iranians in Qur’anic education. This virtual self-study program covers reading, Tajweed, interpretation, memorization, and reflection, and is conducted in collaboration with sacred sites and shrines across the country. Participants, guided by instructors via phone, earn certificates after passing exams. The initiative has received widespread support and is being expanded to include children, teenagers, and government employees.
Seyyed Masoud Miriyan, director of the Qur’anic Affairs Center at the Astan Quds Razavi, reported that over 24 billion rials have been invested in the initiative, which has become one of the country’s most successful Qur’anic educational programs.
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