The opening ceremony, held on January 26, featured prominent figures such as Iran’s Judiciary chief Hoj. Mohseni Ejei, Ayat. Seyyed Ahmad Alamolhoda, Mashhad’s Friday Prayer Imam, Ayat. Marvi, the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, and Hoj. Khamooshi, Head of the Endowments and Charity Affairs Organization.
The event began with a recitation by Hadi Esfidani, the winner of the 40th International Quran Competition.
The competition, which runs from January 27 to 31, involves 59 participants from 27 countries competing in five categories.
Speaking in the event, Mustafa Feyzi, the Deputy Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, emphasized the shrine's role as a hub for Quranic services, highlighting the shrine's extensive Quranic activities, including the preservation of 22,000 Quranic manuscripts and the expansion of Quranic education through Mahd al-Reza in 220 cities and 11 countries.
Feyzi expressed gratitude for being able to serve the Quranic community in the sacred month of Rajab (7th on the Islamic lunar calendar), noting the historical efforts of the shrine in promoting Quranic teachings.
Elsewhere, Hoj. Khamooshi praised the resilience of the people of Gaza, attributing their victory against the Zionist regime to their adherence to the teachings of the Quran.
“Last year's competition was held under the slogan of "One Book, One Nation, Book of Resistance," while this year's theme is "Quran, the Only Path to Perfection", he said.
According to Hoj. Khamooshi Quran is a source of guidance and strength for Muslims, particularly in their resistance against oppression.
Also speaking in the opening ceremony, Hoj. Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, Head of the Leader's Office, expressed confidence that the Zionist regime's threat to Muslims and the world would be eliminated.
He emphasized the importance of prayer and the rich tradition of supplication in the Ahl al-Bayt school of thought in Islam, stating that the Holy Quran plays a central role as a guide to a happy and prosperous life for Muslims.
Hoj. Golpayegani concluded his remarks by encouraging those visiting Imam Reza shrine to take advantage of the spiritual atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
The competition will be broadcast live on Quran and Maaref TV and Khorasan Razavi TV.