Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) officially sent off its 17-member student contingent to compete in the 40th North Sumatra Provincial Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) 2026. The send-off ceremony was led by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., accompanied by Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., on Monday (June 15) in the VIP Room of the UMSU Main Campus on Muchtar Basri Street No. 3, Medan.
The UMSU delegation will compete in the 40th North Sumatra Provincial MTQ, held from June 15 to June 25, 2026, at the Astaka Pancing Complex (Jalan Willem Iskandar/Pasar V, Medan), one of the province’s most prestigious venues for Qur’anic competitions.
In his remarks, Vice Rector III Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto emphasized that participation in the Provincial MTQ reflects not only the pursuit of achievement but also UMSU’s commitment to nurturing Islamic values and character among its students.
“The spirit surrounding this Provincial MTQ is truly remarkable, especially as it is being held at the prestigious Astaka venue. We recognize that our participants’ preparation has been the result of a long and dedicated process, not something accomplished in just a few days,” he said.
He stressed that UMSU’s primary objective extends beyond winning medals, focusing instead on cultivating a generation that loves and lives by the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.
“UMSU is not solely focused on winning competitions. We provide scholarships for Qur’an reciters (Qari and Qariah) because our goal is to build a community that truly embraces and loves the Qur’an,” he explained.
According to him, UMSU’s approach to preparing participants is distinguished by its emphasis on moral values, ethics, and Qur’anic education, which are integrated into students’ academic journey long before any competition begins.
“UMSU has its own unique approach. Every day, our students are nurtured with moral values and ethical principles. We do not gather them only when competitions approach; these values are instilled throughout their educational experience. Therefore, compete with sincerity, authenticity, and integrity. Sportsmanship remains our greatest strength,” he added.
He concluded by praying for the safety, health, and success of all participants throughout the competition.
As part of its participation, UMSU has also been provided with a promotional exhibition booth at the Astaka Pancing venue, allowing the university to showcase its academic programs and institutional achievements during the event.
Earlier, Dr. Abdul Rahman, M.Pd., Chairman of the UMSU Institute for Qur’an Recitation Development (LPTQ), expressed his appreciation for the university’s decision to hold an official send-off ceremony.
According to him, the ceremony reflects the university’s genuine support and appreciation for the students representing UMSU.
“We ask all participants to give their very best because the opportunity to advance to the national level is very promising,” he said.
Representing the student contingent, Nurjannah Adila expressed her gratitude for the university’s encouragement and support.
“We sincerely thank UMSU for the attention and support given to us. We ask for your prayers so that we can make our university proud,” she said.
Another participant, Noor Hidayat Fuad, described the opportunity to represent UMSU at the provincial MTQ as both a great honor and a significant responsibility.
“Representing UMSU is a tremendous honor and responsibility. We will do our utmost to uphold the university’s good name. We kindly ask for your prayers for our health, strength, and success throughout the competition,” he said.
The ceremony was also attended by UMSU faculty leaders, who offered their moral support and encouragement to the student contingent as they prepare to represent the university at one of North Sumatra’s most prestigious Qur’anic competitions.
