ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged religious scholars and ulema to promote unity within the Muslim Ummah’s ranks, as the first-ever International Qirat Competition (IQC) hosted by Pakistan drew to a close on Saturday.
The five-day competition, held from Nov. 24-29, featured over 40 Qur’an reciters from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries. They shared the stage in Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad, reciting passages from the holy book.
Pakistan’s state broadcaster said the event aimed to promote the art of Qur’anic recitation while strengthening intercultural and interfaith harmony among Muslim nations.
“Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has urged the Ulema and religious scholars to champion the cause of unity and solidarity within Muslim Ummah,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
Dar, who was addressing the competition’s closing ceremony, said every Muslim state has its own unique strengths, stressing on the need to unite and harness these collective strengths.
Doing so, the deputy prime minister said, it can be ensured the Muslim Ummah becomes an “invincible force.”
He said all states should join hands to crush the “menace of terrorism” as ordained by god, saying that Pakistan stands committed and resolute to eliminate the challenge.
Dar praised Pakistan’s religion ministry for organizing the competition and arranging Qur’an reciters from several countries.
“He suggested that next time Qaris from across the world be invited to participate in this competition,” Radio Pakistan reported.
