European Quran Competition Slated for Eid al-Ghadir

The Imam Ali (AS) Islamic Center of Stockholm will host the event on September 8-10.

According to the organizers, the contenders will compete in the categories of memorization and recitation of the Quran, Adhan (call to prayers), and Quranic concepts.

Promoting the Quranic culture and teachings, identifying Quranic talents and paving the way for their progress in Quranic fields are among the objectives of the contest, according to the website of the Islamic center.

It also serves as a venue for Quran reciters and memorizers to exchange their Quranic experiences.

Last year, 92 Quran activists from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland took part in the Quranic event.

5 Quran experts from Denmark, Germany, Iran, Sweden and the Netherlands made up the panel of judges in the fourth edition of the competition.

Eid al-Ghadir is among important feasts and happy holidays of Shia Muslims held on the 18th day of Dhu l-Hajja in the lunar Hijri calendar.

It commemorates the day when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) as his caliph and the Imam after himself following an order from God.

That event happened in the Prophet's (PBUH) Hajjat al-Wida' (the Farewell Hajj), in 10 Hijri/632 AD in a place called Ghadir Khumm.

In Shia hadiths, the anniversary has been called Eid Allah al-Akbar (the greatest eid of God), Eid of Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and Ashraf al-A'yad (Most Honorable Eid).

Shia Muslims celebrate this day around the world with various customs.