Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Tehran on Wednesday, Hamid Majidimehr said when it comes to the Holy Qur’an, there are no differences among different groups of Muslims.
He said the development of the rich culture of reading and recitation of the Qur’an and contemplating its teachings and enhancing relations among different nations are also among the other goals of the contest.
He further referred to the motto of this year’s competition and said that given the developments in the Gaza Strip, the motto was chosen to be “One Book, One Ummah, Book of Resistance”.
The poster of the contest also includes a diamond whose tip is red, symbolizing resistance groups that launched the Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Israeli regime, he added.
According to Majidimehr, representatives from Palestine will visit Iran during the competition and symbols of resistance will also be showcased at the venue of the international event.
The contestants will have a meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, he added.
As for the number of contenders, he said Qur’an memorizers and reciters from 110 countries registered for the competition and after the preliminary round, 69 contestants from 40 countries made it to the finals. Majidimehr also thanked the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Al-Mustafa International University, Islamic Culture and Relations Organization and other bodies that have contributed to organizing the Qur’anic event.
The event opens today and will run through February 21.
IRAN DAILY