Maytham al-Rikabi served as a member of panel of judges in the 41st edition of the International Holy Quran Competition of Iran, which concluded in the northeastern holy city of Mashhad on Friday.
“The members of panels of judges consider this regulation for evaluation and make decisions based on it rather than personal preferences. This approach has led to greater fairness and justice in the judging of the Quran competitions in Iran, while most Islamic countries do not have such judging regulations,” he stated.
As for the level of the event, he noted that to date, forty-one editions of the contest have been held in Iran and the level of the competition is good and acceptable. “Over the years, there have been many changes in organization and coordination, leading to qualitative improvements in the competitions.”
He added that over these forty-one years, Iran has become an expert and experienced country in organizing Quranic competitions.
“This contest is on par with the major international Quran competitions in the Islamic world, and it can be said that Iran is a country from which advice can be sought for organizing Quran competitions.”
Asked about the level of the judges and participants in the competition, he said, “All the judges were distinguished experts, excelling in their knowledge and mastery of the rules and regulations of judging. The participants varied in their abilities. Some performed strongly and attracted attention, while others were at an average level.”
Al-Rikabi who holds a bachelor’s degree in music said he has been blessed by God to use this worldly knowledge to recite the Quran in the Iraqi and Egyptian styles and to serve as a judge in Quran competitions.
“I am also among the servants of Imam Hussein (AS) and the eulogists of the Imam (AS).”
He went on to say, “It is an honor for me to be part of the panel of jdges at the 41st International Quran Competition in Iran, and it is a source of joy that this edition is being held at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad.”
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The International Holy Quran Competition of the Islamic Republic of Iran is annually organized by the country’s Awqaf and Charity Affairs Organization.
The competition aims to promote the Quranic culture and values among Muslims and showcase the talents of Quran reciters and memorizers.
The final round of the 41st edition concluded in a ceremony on Friday in Mashhad, where winners in different categories were named and awarded.
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