The closing ceremony of the 18th Quran and Hadith Competition was held at the mosque of Al-Kawthar University in Islamabad, Pakistan. Organized by the Pakistan Branch of Al-Mustafa International University, the event brought together students from religious seminaries and Quranic centers, along with scholars, academics, religious figures, and faculty members and students from seminaries in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The competition attracted approximately 12,947 male and female students from 277 religious schools and Quranic centers across Pakistan. The contests were held in two main categories: Knowledge and Arts.

The Knowledge category featured competitions in Quranic exegesis, Nahj Al-Balagha, and Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya. The Arts category included competitions in Quranic recitation, reading, memorization, the call to prayer, and supplication.

At the conclusion of the competition, 42 top-ranking participants were honored with plaques and cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding performance and efforts across the various categories.

Highlighting the Importance of Quranic Competitions

In his address, Allama Sheikh Anwar Ali Najafi, representative of the religious authority in Pakistan, stressed the importance of strengthening young people's connection with the Holy Quran, Noble Hadith, and Islamic knowledge. He praised the organization of such competitions, highlighting their role in promoting religious and intellectual awareness among the younger generation.

Sayyid Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi, a member of the Council of Islamic Ideology, spoke about the significance of Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya and the wealth of Islamic knowledge, ethical principles, and educational and spiritual values it contains. He described the work as a vital intellectual treasure for Muslims.

Meanwhile, Allama Sayyid Sajid Ali Naqvi, leader of the Ja'fari community in Pakistan, commended the organization and hosting of the Quranic and scholarly competitions. He conveyed his greetings and appreciation to the organizers, emphasizing the importance of initiatives that strengthen young people's connection with the Holy Quran and Islamic knowledge.

The ceremony also featured a tribute to scholar and preacher Sheikh Ijaz Hussain Najafi in recognition of his long-standing scholarly, religious, and missionary contributions, particularly his efforts to disseminate the culture of Nahj Al-Balagha and promote a deeper understanding of its teachings and content.

The event concluded with congratulations to the winners, their mentors, and the organizers. Participants also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing Quranic and scholarly programs and competitions aimed at serving the Holy Quran and Noble Hadith and strengthening the presence of Islamic knowledge among young people in Pakistan.