Veteran Scholar of Qur’an Passes Away

TEHRAN -- Abdolrasoul Abaei, one of Iran’s most respected Qur’anic figures, passed away Wednesday at the age of 80, following a lifetime dedicated to the service and promotion of the Qur’an.

Born in 1945 in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, Abaei was widely recognized for his decades-long contributions to Qur’anic education, recitation, and international competition.
In 2007, during the 14th National Ceremony Honoring Servants of the Holy Qur’an in Iran, Abaei was recognized as an outstanding contributor to Qur’anic activities and was honored in the presence of the then-President.
Abaei began serving as a judge in national and international Qur’an competitions in 1985, continuing in that role until 2018, when he stepped back due to illness.
Over more than three decades, he held leading roles in some of the world’s most prominent Qur’anic events, including the international Qur’an competitions held annually in Iran.
He was particularly known for his repeated participation in Malaysia’s prestigious international Qur’an competition. As a judge, he represented Iran more than any of his peers, participating in the jury on two occasions and also being invited as a guest by Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), which organizes the event.
His expertise was also sought in many other countries. Abaei served as head judge and jury member at international Qur’anic competitions in Indonesia and Syria.
In 1990, he traveled to Malaysia as a mentor for Karim Mansouri, who was representing Iran in that year’s international Qur’an competition. Under Abaei’s guidance, Mansouri secured second place.
In addition to judging, Abaei played a significant role in training and mentoring future generations of Qur’anic reciters and scholars.