TEHRAN – Iranian reciter Mohsen Haji-Hassani Kargar has taken first place at the 57th International Quran Reciters’ Assembly and Quran Memorizing in Malaysia.

Haji-Hassani Kargar, 26, recited verses of the Holy Quran after accepting first prize at the closing ceremony of the event, which was held at the Putra World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday evening.

The first place winner is awarded a gold bar worth about $19,000 and about $11,000 in cash.

The king of the Kelantan State of Malaysia, Sultan Muhammad, Prime Minister Najib Razak and a large number of other officials attended the ceremony.

The second prize went to Malaysian reciter Wan Ainuddin Hilmi Abdullah and the third prize was presented to Numan Makasugat Pimbayaba from the Philippines.

Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) Director Datuk Othman Mustapha presided over the competition jury, which was composed of 15 members from Malaysia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, Indonesia, Thailand, Morocco, Jordan and Brunei.

Quran reciters and memorizers from over 70 countries competed in the event which lasted five days starting June 9.

So far, Iranian reciters have won the first prize at nine previous editions of the competition. The Iranians have also taken the second place for eight times and the third place for once.

Photo: Iranian reciter Mohsen Haji-Hassani Kargar speaks to reporters after receiving the first prize during the 57th International Quran Reciters’ Assembly and Quran Memorizing at the Putra World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur on June 14, 2015. (IQNA/Hassan Aqamohammadi)

MMS/YAW
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