MAKKAH: Several contestants in the 44th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Qur’an visited Makkah’s Clock Tower Museum.
The visit was part of the cultural programs organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for this edition’s 174 contestants, who hail from 123 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The contestants expressed their gratitude and appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, as well as for their care and attention to the Qur’an in printing, publishing, teaching and honoring Qur’an memorizers.
They praised the Kingdom’s efforts in expanding the Grand Mosque and serving visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and worshipers.
Bilal Hassan, a contestant from New Zealand, said that the attention of the Kingdom’s leadership on serving Islam and Muslims, and their care for the Qur’an, was “unsurprising.”
The Kingdom is the land of Islam, the place where the message of Prophet Muhammad was revealed and the “center of its radiance,” he added.
Hassan said that the competition is evidence of the Kingdom’s commitment to Islam, and he prayed for Allah to reward the king and crown prince for their great efforts in serving Muslims.
Nihat Hamshimli, a contestant from Azerbaijan, expressed his pride in taking part in the competition, which is held within the precincts of the Grand Mosque.
He praised the Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, in organizing the event and arranging spiritual programs for contestants.
Omar Abdullah, a contestant from Sweden, also expressed his gratitude to the king and the crown prince for their service to Islam and Muslims.
