Maldives has inaugurated the first ever international Quran competition held in the country. Al-Nour Al Mubin Quran Competition is being held under the patronage of President Abdulla Yameen Abdulla Gayoom, in collaboration with Centre for the Holy Quran, Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Public Service Media (PSM).
The competition shows the unity among Islamic countries, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Ziyad noted addressing the opening ceremony of the Quran Competition. Islamic Minister Ahmed Ziyad highlighted the initiative proves the interest of the government to spread knowledge and enhance relations with other Islamic countries.
Meanwhile, Deputy Managing Director of PSM Mohamed Ikram Abdul Latheef expressed the initiative will pave way to conduct more international competitions in Maldives, adding PSM is proud to be part of such a holy cause. He added PSM aims to hold much broader Quran competitions in the future.
The key purpose of hosting such a competition in Maldives is to increase fondness in the hearts of people to recite Quran according to the rules of Thajweed and to encourage more people to memorise the holy script, according to the government.
The competition is participated by eight countries, along with Maldives. Other countries include Sudan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Kuwait, Egypt and Bangladesh. Judges at the competition are from Sudan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Yemen and Maldives.
The winner of the competition will receive USD 30,000, while second and third place winners will receive USD 15,000 and USD 5,000 respectively.