On January 29, the 3rd day of the 41st International Quran Competition in women’s section started at 8:30 AM at Quds Hall of the shrine.
 The event, coinciding with the Prophet Muhammad’s Mab’ath and taking place at a site dedicated to an infallible Imam, adds to the competition’s attraction, appreciated by all guests and hosts.
Ms. Rahmani, a Quran instructor for over 15 years, attended as a domestic guest. According to her, “When I learned that these competitions were to be held at Imam Reza shrine, I became more eager to attend. This place alone is beautiful and comforting for every pilgrim, and listening to the divine words in a place owned by an infallible adds to this beauty”.
Also a participant from Lebanon shared: “This place is a piece of heaven, and I sought help from Imam Reza to participate in this competition. Thankfully, with the Imam’s blessing, I am here”.
Nine-year-old Fatimah and 10-year-old Haniyah, in simple black chadors, participated with innocent smiles and childlike joy. Despite not fully understanding the significance of the event, their pure affection for Imam Reza and the experience of a childlike pilgrimage brought them to the event with their mothers.
Speaking in the event, Zeinab Shariatmadar, the International Affairs Director at the Women’s Section of the Khatam al-Anbiya Foundation, provided more details on the 41st International Quran Competition in Mashhad.
She explained that this ongoing event is the final stage of the International Quran Competition for both men and women, with around 30 female and 35 male participants.
"Competitors hail from Iran, as well as continents like Europe, Africa, and Asia, including countries such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Yemen, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Germany, Finland, the Philippines, and Indonesia”, she added.
The competition continues until January 31, 2025.
Judges from various countries, including Kuwait, Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Indonesia, participate in the international event.
The competition this year encompasses three categories: Tartil (reciting the Quranic verses with reflection and order), Tajweed (reciting the Quran with proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm), and Hifz (memorization of the Quran) for men, and Hifz and Tartil for women, with Iranian representatives in each category.
According to Ms. Shariatmadar, the final results will be revealed by January 31, with the closing ceremony on the same day, attended by government officials.
The official concluded her remarks by emphasizing the importance of holding the competition at Imam Reza shrine, noting that translators act as cultural ambassadors.