"In the twelfth round of the nationwide competitions for the memorization and recitation of the Qur'an and the first round of the seven readings, with the introduction of excellent memorizers, concluded today.

1 Jumada al-Awwal 1445 AH corresponding to 24 Scorpio 1402 AH

The twelfth round of the nationwide competitions for the memorization and recitation of the Holy Qur'an and the first round of the seven readings aimed to identify and introduce exceptional memorizers and reciters to international competitions concluded today in a ceremony organized by the Ministry of MOHIA.

These competitions had been launched at the national level in the fields of memorization, recitation, and the seven readings several days ago. As a result, outstanding reciters and memorizers from each province and areas of Kabul were identified and introduced after taking the recognition exam.

In the gathering that was held for this occasion, Sheikh al-Hadith Dr. Noor Mohammad Saqib, the Minister of MOHIA, Sheikh Azizur Rahman Mansoor, director of spirituality and religious places, central and provincial authorities, officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, distinguished scholars, and a number of memorizers and reciters participated.

The gathering began with the recitation of blessed verses of the Holy Qur'an by one of the excellent memorizers of this round. Later, this gathering was inaugurated and described by a speech from Mawlawi Abdul Ghaffar Saqib, the head of the affairs of the reciters, about the stages of the aforementioned competitions for the participants. After that, Mansoor emphasized on the virtues and importance of the Holy Qur'an in detail and added that the greatest miracle among the miracles of the Noble Prophet is the Holy Qur'an.

Mr. Mansoor further added that all sciences existing in the world are mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, and we and you should strive to act according to the principles of the Holy Qur'an.

Then, Sheikh al-Hadith Dr. Mawlawi Noor Mohammad Saqib, the Minister of MOHIA delivered a speech, adding: Today's gathering is due to the success of the national competitions in the country, which were launched a few days ago. Memorizers and reciters from all over the country had participated in it, and the winners of these competitions were identified and appreciated today, and in the near future, they will participate in international competitions, bringing honor to Afghanistan.

Mr. Saqib emphasized to the attendees that the memorizers of the Holy Qur'an are the greatest asset of our nation and they should be respected in society. Our request from the memorizers is not only to learn the memorization and recitation of the Holy Qur'an but also to learn the concepts, issues, and rulings of the Qur'an and pay more attention to acquiring knowledge and education and elevate yourself to the position of scholars.

Saqib said: The Qur'an is a book that among celestial books, holds the highest position.

The Qur'an is a book in which humans and jinn have no ability to add or subtract a word.

At the end of the gathering, on behalf of the Minister of MOHIA certificates of appreciation and cash prizes were presented to outstanding memorizers and reciters.