Muscat: The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs today held a ceremony to mark the conclusion of preliminary qualifying rounds of the Holy Quran Memorization Competition codenamed “Fastamsik” (Hold Fast), in which about 170 male and female contestants from different age groups took part.

According to Oman News Agency, the competition seeks to develop the care and attention accorded to the Holy Quran, support Quranic schools as beacons of knowledge and faith, highlight the efforts of endowment institutions and underline their contributions to the mission of the Holy Quran.

The contest also aims to better prepare the participants to participate in local and international Quranic competitions and foster a spirit of faith among them in a manner that enhances the values of sincerity and diligence.

It seeks to encourage Omani youth to be more associated with the Holy Quran-through memorization, understanding, and contemplation-so that they could serve as role models in morals and work.

The competition includes five centres of jurisdiction across the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, including Dhofar Governorate, Al Buraimi Governorate, North A’Sharqiyah Governorate, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, and Muscat Governorate.