Addis Ababa: Qatar has earned second place in the men's Quran memorization (Hifz) of the second Ethiopia International Quran contest.
Qatari contestant Youssef Ahmed Asheer came second in the prestigious event that featured contestants from 60 Islamic countries, racing across categories of Quran memorization (Hifz), recitation (Tilawa), and the Adhan (call to prayer).
The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs hailed the victory as a fresh achievement for the State of Qatar in international forums.
Awqaf Undersecretary HE Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani said the accomplishment demonstrates Doha's interest in the Holy Quran and its sons who raise the name of their country in international forums.
The event was held in Addis Ababa Stadium and garnered huge turnout from officials and ambassadors and diplomats from more than 20 Arab and Islamic countries.
Awqaf's Da'wa and Religious Guidance Director Jassim Abdullah Al Ali praised Al Asheer's advanced performance facing excellent reciters and muezzins from various Islamic countries.
He lauded Qatar's strong presence in international Quran competitions, recalling Qatari contestants' advanced positions in several international competitions - finishing first in Kuwait, Sudan and Saudi Arabia, second in Algeria and Morocco, and third in Malaysia and Dubai.
In a related context, Head of Awqaf's Holy Quran Sciences Department Fahd Ahmed Al Mohammed hailed Asheer's intensive preparation for the competition, which contributed to his achievement.
Qatar was represented in the competition's judging panel by Sheikh Moaz Ahmed Yousef Al Qasimi.
The event was organized by the Zayd Ibn Sabit Quran Association under the supervision of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Ethiopia.
