Final Statement of the Second Edition of the Al-Noor International University Qur’anic Competition
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright.”
— The Almighty Allah has spoken the truth.
Based on the vision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in nurturing students’ talents and strengthening faith-based and cultural values within the academic environment — and under the gracious patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with the direct supervision of the Head of the Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Authority — the Central Ministerial Cultural Committee of the Department of Student Activities organized the activities of the Second Edition of the Al-Noor Qur’anic Competition, hosted by Al-Ameed University in the holy city of Karbala, the city of knowledge, light, and steadfastness.
This year’s edition witnessed the participation of fifty governmental and private universities from various Iraqi provinces, in addition to honorable international participation from the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Lebanon, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the State of Tunisia. This elevated Qur’anic gathering embodied the unity of the word, the light of faith, and the magnificence of Qur’anic culture within academic forums.
Following the blessed competitions in the categories of recitation and memorization, the results concluded with the selection of the top eight Iraqi universities, in addition to the highest-ranking participant from each international country.
As the Central Ministerial Cultural Committee announces the conclusion of this blessed competition, it presents the following recommendations and proposals:
Recommendations:
Officially adopting the name “Al-Noor Qur’anic Competition – Second Edition.”
Expanding international participation in upcoming editions to include a greater number of Arab and Islamic countries, to promote Qur’anic cultural exchange and academic communication among students.
Organizing specialized developmental and evaluative workshops on methods of Qur’anic recitation, rules of Tajwīd, and vocal performance, supervised by qualified professors and experts from within Iraq and abroad prior to the start of the competition.
Honoring the top three universities that have excelled in supporting Qur’anic activities, by awarding them ministerial certificates of appreciation in recognition of their role in spreading Qur’anic culture among students.
Allowing female students to participate in the memorization and recitation categories within legitimate (Shar‘ī) guidelines, in recognition of the importance of women’s participation in conveying the message of the Holy Qur’an.
Proposals:
Submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to include Qur’anic activities as part of the University Performance Evaluation Criteria for both governmental and private universities, given their significant civilizational and human value.
Submitting a proposal to the Ministry to grant three evaluation points under the title “Strength Points” to Heads of Student Activities Departments and Units, as an incentive for their continued dedication and efforts in sustaining such activities.
It is a duty of gratitude for the Central Ministerial Cultural Committee to extend its sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the General Secretariat of the al-‘Abbāsī Holy Shrine, with all its departments and institutions — especially the Presidency of the Holy Qur’anic Complex, the Presidency of Al-Ameed University, and the scientific, evaluative, technical, and service committees — for their remarkable efforts, high organization, and generous hospitality.
The Committee also extends its thanks to the representatives of Iraqi universities who participated in this enlightening Qur’anic journey, as well as to the international teams who joined with a spirit of fraternity and faith.
Indeed, the lights of recitation have shone brightly in Karbala, and in the voices of the students, the Divine Promise to preserve His Book was manifested. The Second Edition of the Al-Noor Competition stands as living testimony that when knowledge is coupled with the Qur’an, it perfects humanity and guides to the straight path.
At the conclusion of this pure Qur’anic gathering, we seal with the verses written by hearts before pens:
O voice of the Qur’an, your light has shone—
Illuminating souls wherever it has gone.
O seeker of light, draw near to its grace—
For none but its radiance can adorn the place.
We pray to Allah, the Exalted, to accept this work in His Noble Count, and to grant our dear students continued success on the path of knowledge and faith, in service of an Iraq that shines with the light of the Qur’an.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you all.
