Libyan Wins 2024 Moscow International Quran Contest

The Cosmos Hotel in Moscow became a vibrant cultural hub as the 22nd Moscow International Quran Recitation Competition held its closing ceremony. Known globally as the Moscow Quran Contest, this year’s event brought together some of the world’s most skilled Quranic reciters, dignitaries, scholars, and diplomats from over 30 countries, showcasing the art of Quranic recitation and fostering cross-cultural ties. This annual gathering not only celebrates the Quran but also reflects the growing influence of Russia and its Muslim allies, particularly Qatar, in promoting Islamic values through cultural diplomacy. The event’s success underscores the Quran Contest’s role in uniting diverse communities under the shared values of peace, spirituality, and mutual respect.

The Moscow Quran Contest

The Moscow Quran Contest began over two decades ago, thanks to the efforts of Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, the spiritual leader of Russian Muslims and the President of the Religious Board of Muslims (RBM) in Russia. Sheikh Ravil envisioned an event that would bring together reciters from different backgrounds, creating a bridge of faith that unites Muslims across various nations. In the early years, the contest was a relatively small event, but its significance grew as more countries began to participate and as global interest in promoting interfaith dialogue increased.

Now, the Moscow Quran Contest stands as one of the most prominent Quranic competitions globally, comparable to Egypt’s Al-Azhar Quran Competition and Malaysia’s International Tilawah and Tahfiz Al-Quran. With its broad reach and diplomatic undertones, the event embodies Russia’s growing role as a bridge between East and West, aligning with Russia’s broader strategy to engage more deeply with the Islamic world.

Opening Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the Moscow Quran Contest was hosted by Ildar Galeyev, Deputy Chairman of the RBM, and renowned host Amir Ahmadishin, who set the stage for an evening filled with reverence and celebration. The ceremony began with a stirring Quranic recitation by the esteemed Sheikh Abdurrashid Ali Sufi, known worldwide for his captivating style and deep connection to the Quran. His opening recitation not only set a spiritual tone for the event but also underscored the Quran’s ability to unite people in reverence and devotion.

In his video address, Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, the spiritual leader of Russian Mufties and founder of the competition, spoke about the contest’s significance as a cultural and spiritual institution. He emphasized the Moscow Quran Contest’s impact on fostering unity among Muslim communities, describing it as a “beacon of faith and a bridge between nations.” His remarks highlighted Russia’s commitment to promoting a more inclusive society, one that honors the cultural and religious diversity of its population.

Diverse Participation

This year’s Moscow Quran Contest welcomed a diverse array of participants, judges, and honored guests, including diplomats, religious scholars, and government officials. Each year, the competition draws figures from across the Muslim world, and this year was no exception. Ahmed Nasser Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to Russia, played a prominent role in emphasizing the importance of the Moscow Quran Contest for both countries. His speech highlighted the event’s diplomatic value as a symbol of the warm and cooperative relationship between Russia and Qatar, a bond that has strengthened over the years through mutual cultural and spiritual initiatives.

Sheikh Malullah Abdulrahman Al Jaber, representing Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, also delivered a heartfelt address, expressing Qatar’s pride in co-hosting the competition. He noted that Qatar’s collaboration with Russia’s RBM has elevated the contest, transforming it from a simple recitation event into a week-long cultural celebration that includes an interactive exhibition, an international Islamic conference, and a Muslim film showcase. This comprehensive approach reflects the shared values between Qatar and Russia, particularly the desire to strengthen cultural ties within the Muslim world.

Russian-Qatari Collaboration

The Russian-Qatari partnership in the Moscow Quran Contest is emblematic of a broader geopolitical alignment. Over the past few years, Russia and Qatar have collaborated on various projects to promote Islamic heritage and foster dialogue. Ambassador Al Thani highlighted that initiatives like the Moscow Quran Contest are not just events but part of a strategic effort to deepen cultural understanding. He expressed that this partnership is a testament to the commitment shared by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in promoting a more peaceful and interconnected Muslim world.

This collaboration is part of a larger Russian initiative to build stronger relations with the Islamic world, which includes engaging in cultural diplomacy and supporting Muslim-majority countries in their religious initiatives. The Moscow Quran Contest serves as a platform to showcase Russia’s engagement with the Muslim world and its willingness to support initiatives that reinforce Islamic values and heritage.

Cultural Enrichment

One of the evening’s highlights was the performance titled “Treasures of the Quran,” a spiritually immersive experience created by Renat Abyanov, head of the Department of Culture at Russia’s RBM. This theatrical performance presented Quranic stories in a way that resonated deeply with the audience, blending faith with art and modern storytelling. The character of the “Wise Elder,” played by Ramil Sabitov, narrated the lives of prophets and heroes, highlighting themes of courage, faith, and wisdom. The younger generation in the audience was particularly moved by these narratives, which illustrated how the Quran’s teachings continue to be relevant across generations.

Theatrical elements, including choreographic sequences by Ilshat Shabaev, brought a modern dynamic to the performance, capturing the audience’s attention and making the ancient Quranic lessons accessible and engaging. The show was praised for its innovative approach, demonstrating how art can be used to express religious devotion and convey timeless spiritual truths. This performance exemplifies the Moscow Quran Contest’s broader mission to make Islamic teachings more relatable and accessible, especially for young Muslims who are increasingly engaging with their faith through various forms of media.

Qatar’s Expansive Support

Qatar’s contribution to the Moscow Quran Contest extended far beyond the competition itself. Sheikh Malullah Al Jaber emphasized that Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf aimed to create a full cultural experience around the contest. The “World of the Quran” exhibition, held at Moscow’s Cathedral Mosque, provided visitors with an interactive journey through the Quran’s history, calligraphy, and interpretations. This exhibition allowed both Muslims and non-Muslims to appreciate the Quran’s artistic and spiritual significance, fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic culture.

The exhibition also offered hands-on experiences where attendees could observe traditional calligraphy techniques, listen to interpretations of Quranic verses, and engage with digital presentations on the Quran’s influence in different cultures. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader vision of using cultural diplomacy as a way to build bridges and create a sense of unity across borders. It also mirrors the Saudi Summit’s emphasis on fostering international partnerships that strengthen Islamic identity and support educational initiatives.

Honoring Quranic Excellence

The core of the Moscow Quran Contest remains the celebration of Quranic recitation, and this year’s winners represented the finest talents in this sacred art. Libya’s Suhaib Muhammad Abdulkarim Jibriel took first place with a flawless performance that demonstrated his deep understanding of Tajweed, the rules governing Quranic recitation. His recitation was described as a powerful testament to his devotion and skill, resonating with audiences and judges alike.

Second place went to Abdulaziz Abdullah al-Hamri from Qatar, who impressed the audience with his nuanced recitation and command of Arabic diction. Yemen’s Hafiz Aziz Yahya Saeed Sultan took third place, while the audience prize was awarded to Palestinian reciter Wassim Jadallah Salim Abed Samira. These winners exemplified the Moscow Quran Contest’s mission to honor excellence, encouraging youth and aspiring reciters to engage with the Quran and develop their recitation skills.

Hajj and Umrah Vouchers

Adding a unique touch to the contest, Muslim Tour, the official tour operator for Russia’s DUM, held a raffle for Hajj and Umrah vouchers. Winners of these vouchers were given the opportunity to embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, symbolizing the spiritual journey that lies at the heart of the Moscow Quran Contest. This gesture resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring the event’s dedication to honoring the Quran and providing meaningful experiences for its participants.

Moscow Quran Contest’s Cultural Impact

As the Moscow Quran Contest has evolved over the years, it has become more than just a competition; it has grown into a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and international cooperation. The event highlights the impact that religious and cultural diplomacy can have in fostering mutual respect and understanding among nations. The Russian-Qatari collaboration, in particular, reflects a vision of global unity that transcends political boundaries and focuses on shared values and cultural heritage.

The Saudi Summit’s support for similar initiatives speaks to a larger movement within the Muslim world to promote Islamic cultural values, support youth engagement, and celebrate the Quran’s teachings in accessible ways. The Moscow Quran Contest exemplifies this mission by creating a platform where people from different backgrounds can come together in reverence for a shared spiritual heritage.

Influence of the Moscow Quran Contest

With each passing year, the Moscow Quran Contest continues to grow in influence and scope, attracting participants from a wider array of countries and fostering deeper cultural exchanges. Plans for future events include broadening the range of educational programs and introducing additional cultural elements to further engage youth. This expansion aligns with the Saudi Summit’s vision of creating interconnected platforms that celebrate Islamic culture and inspire future generations.

Looking ahead, the Moscow Quran Contest and similar initiatives could serve as models for other nations seeking to promote Islamic heritage on the global stage. By investing in these cultural events, countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Russia are setting a precedent for how Islamic diplomacy can foster unity and build bridges of understanding in an increasingly complex world.

Engaging Future Generations

One of the primary goals of the Moscow Quran Contest is to inspire the younger generation, showing them the beauty and wisdom within the Quran. Sheikh Al Jaber emphasized that the contest introduces young Muslims to the values of perseverance, compassion, and spiritual strength, encouraging them to cultivate a deep connection with their faith. This focus on youth aligns with the Saudi Summit’s broader mission to create a cohesive, spiritually connected Muslim world.

The contest’s educational programs and cultural initiatives ensure that the Quran’s teachings continue to resonate with new generations, fostering a sense of pride in Islamic heritage and a commitment to faith-based values.

A Symbol of Unity

The 2024 Moscow Quran Contest stands as a powerful example of how cultural and religious diplomacy can bring nations together, foster understanding, and celebrate shared values. This event aligns with the Saudi Summit’s objectives, exemplifying how Islamic culture can be a force for peace and unity in today’s world. Through its artistic performances, Quranic recitations, and international collaborations, the Moscow Quran Contest is a testament to the strength of faith and the unifying power of cultural diplomacy.

For more insights on the Moscow Quran Contest and ongoing developments in Islamic diplomacy, follow our Saudi Arabia news page. Our in-depth reporting provides real-time analysis and expert commentary on the events shaping the Muslim world.