The elimination rounds of XV anniversary Moscow International Qur'an Reciting Competition have started in Russia's capital in one of the halls of Aquarium Hotel.

First deputy chairman of Russia Muftis Council, chairman of the organizing committee of the Qur'an Competition Rushan hazrat Abbyasov greeted all the participants and the guests of the event and conveyed the greeting words of the Chairman of Russia Muftis Council, spiritual leader of Russia's Muslims mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, and wished success to all the participants.

"It is a great honour for us to organize such a great and important event. For fifteen consecutive years now, best Qur'anic reciters from all parts of the planet gather in our capital to bring us the word of our Creator", noted Rushan hazrat Abbyasov.

The event is organised under the patronage of Chairman of Russia Muftis Council mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and Moscow City Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The finals of XV Moscow International Qur'an Reciting Competition will take place already on September 20 in Moscow's largest concert hall, Crocus City Hall. The tickets for the event can be bought in Moscow mosques, Crocus City Hall ticket office and mobile stores of "Euroset".

This year's contest is attended by Qur’anic reciters from 35 countries. They will compete in two categories: tilawa (beautiful reading) and hifz (recitation of the Holy Qur’an by heart). Russia is represented at the competition by Vahit Askhabov from the Chechen Republic and Magomed Aligadzhiev from the Republic of Dagestan.

The strict panel of judges consisting of well-known huffaz from Russia, Turkey, Jordan, Iran and Lebanon will judge the contenders according to their knowledge of Qur'an by heart, rules of tajweed and the beauty of recitation.

This year, the guests of the finals will have to attend a wide range of events in the foyer of the hall with many honorary guests and famous reciters who will share their skills in a Qur'an recitation workshop. The special guest of this year's competition is Sheikh Saad al-Ghamdi, famous scholar from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose recitation is known to millions of Muslims all around the world. In addition to that, a draw of three Umrah (lesser hajj) tickets will also be organised at the contest.

During the XV anniversary Moscow International Qur'an Reciting Competition, Russia Muftis Council together with the Foundation of Children Doctor Roshal will organise a big charity event to help children with severe injuries in the Scientific Research Institute of Emergency Children Surgery and Traumatology.

RMC press service