Islamabad, The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with Ittihad Al-Qura Pakistan Al-Alami, hosted the finale of the All-Pakistan Memorization of the Qur’an competition and an international Mehfil e Qir’at at the Faisal Mosque. The event saw participation from 15 finalists, selected from a pool of 500 competitors from schools and madrasas across Pakistan, showcasing their proficiency in Quranic memorization and recitation.

According to International Islamic University Islamabad, the competition aimed to promote Islamic teachings and the practice of Tajweed in Quranic recitation. Esteemed Qurra from Egypt, Sheikh Samir Bilal and Sheikh Yasir Saraya, along with Pakistan’s Yasir Sohail Tareen, graced the Mehfil e Husn e Qirat with their recitations, enriching the spiritual atmosphere of the event.

Hafiz Moeedullah from the Pishin district of Balochistan emerged as the competition’s winner, earning an Umrah ticket for his outstanding performance. The second place, along with a cash prize of PKR 20,000, was awarded to Hafiz Muhammad Nauman of Haripur, while Muhammad Mujahid from Lodhran secured the third position, receiving PKR 10,000.

The prize distribution ceremony featured Nasir Farid, Head of Public Relations at IIUI, and Qari Muhammad Zaman Usmani, Chairman of Ittihad Al-Qura, alongside distinguished Ulema, acknowledging the participants’ efforts and achievements. The event’s judges included renowned figures such as Maulana Qari Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil from Azad Kashmir, Maulana Qari Abdul Sattar Shah from Abbottabad, and Maulana Qari Abdul Qayyum Batalvi from the Attock District.

Nasir Farid emphasized IIUI’s commitment to fostering an understanding of Islamic teachings, emphasizing the importance of integrating the Quran into daily life. He also announced the Saudi government’s funding for the renovation of Faisal Mosque, a testament to the strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and revealed plans for a new mosque within IIUI, funded by the Saudi government, as part of ongoing efforts to serve the Islamic community.

This Quran memorization competition and Mehfil e Qir’at underscore IIUI’s dedication to promoting Islamic scholarship and the spiritual development of its students, furthering the institution’s mission to disseminate knowledge that bridges the gap between Islamic tradition and modernity.