Vice President Faisal Naseem has urged everyone to love, respect and cherish the Holy Quran, and adhere to the teachings of the holy book. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the National Quran Recitation Competition, held this morning at the Islamic Centre.

Highlighting that the competition this year is held virtually, the Vice President touched on the benefits of having it online; including the fact that it now is more accessible for all Maldivians living across the country and abroad. He then thanked the Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Ahmed Zahir and his staff for organizing such an initiative at such trying times.

Speaking further, the Vice President stressed the Government’s commitment to assisting everyone in developing the skills of eloquent recitation of the Holy Quran and instilling good discipline and principles enshrined in the holy book. Islamic Affairs Minister and other senior officials of the Ministry and other Government offices and institutions accompanied the Vice President at the ceremony.

Being the first nationwide Quran recitation competition held virtually, it features two rounds; the first being an audition, followed by a final round. Registration for the competition is open via a portal on the website of the Islamic Affairs Ministry.

The Ministry will accept registrations for the first round from today till November 28, 2020. Applications for the final round will be taken from December 13-19, 2020. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the competition this year does not feature a segment for recitation from memory.