International Qur'an Competition 2026 Held in Osaka

The Islamic Cultural Foundation Japan held the International Qur'an Recitation and Hifz Competition 2026 at Ikuno Kumin Center in Osaka City. As in previous years, the event drew enthusiastic participation from Muslim residents of many nationalities living in Japan, including from Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, creating a festive atmosphere within the community.

Judging was carried out by Maulana Mohsin Shakir, imam and khatib of Osaka Ibaraki Mosque, and Maulana Abu Jafar, imam and khatib of Osaka Mosque Chibune. The competition, organized by the Islamic Cultural Foundation under the overall supervision of Islamic Mission Japan's Osaka chapter, was attended as special guest by Dr. Sujan Sharif, associate professor at Dhaka Medical College. In his remarks, Dr. Sharif thanked the foundation for organizing the program and said such events help strengthen unity and brotherhood within the Muslim ummah.

This session served as the Kansai regional audition round of the competition. All participating and selected competitors received certificates and prizes to encourage their continued effort.

The program was coordinated by Mushfiq Al Mehedi, president of Islamic Mission Japan's Osaka chapter, who is currently pursuing a PhD. Also present were chapter secretary Miyaji Mohammad Alauddin, office secretary Atikur Rahman, social welfare secretary Abu Jafar, Kobe sub-chapter president Abdul Gaffar, Nishinari sub-chapter president Shamimul Rajib, and Ikuno sub-chapter president Habibur Rahman. Contestants delivered melodious recitations that moved parents and audience members alike, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere throughout the event.