According to Mahdi Qarasheikhlu, head of Iran’s Dar-ol-Quran Kareem Organization, the exam was held for memorizers at four levels, namely memorization of 5, 10, 20, and 30 Juzes (parts) of the Quran.
He said as well as memorization, the participants’ mastery over Quran concepts, interpretation and meanings of Quranic words was also tested in the exam.
Qarasheikhlu told IRIB News that the Friday exam was the first one and that those passing it will take the second examination in September.
According to the official, there will be a total of 5 examinations and those passing all five, will receive grade 1 certificate, which is equivalent to a PhD.
He expressed the hope that holding such exams will encourage Quran memorize to enhance their Quranic skills.