Makkah Quran Competition Final Rounds Draw 42 Contestants

The final qualifying rounds of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran continued in Makkah, with the male and female judging panels listening to 42 contestants — 26 male and 16 female — representing 40 countries from around the world. The fourth day of competition was held across morning and evening sessions, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, underscoring the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to serving the Holy Quran and supporting its memorizers globally.

Context and Background

The King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran is among the most prestigious Quranic contests in the world, held annually under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The 46th edition is organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which oversees the competition’s judging, logistics, and international outreach. Since the launch of the final qualifiers, the judging panels have listened to 148 contestants — male and female — representing 101 countries, reflecting the competition’s wide international participation and the diversity of its branches, memorization levels, recitation styles, and Quranic readings. The competition serves as a global platform that brings together young memorizers of the Holy Quran from across continents to compete in an atmosphere of faith, scholarship, and mutual respect.

Key Details

The current edition of the competition includes 334 contestants representing 133 countries, competing across five branches. These include memorizing the entire Holy Quran with the seven mutawatir recitations through the Shatibiyyah method, both narration and understanding, with excellence in performance and Tajweed; memorizing the entire Holy Quran with excellence in performance, Tajweed, and interpretation of its vocabulary; memorizing the entire Holy Quran with excellence in performance and Tajweed; memorizing fifteen consecutive parts with excellence in performance and Tajweed; and memorizing five consecutive parts with excellence in performance and Tajweed. The judging panels comprise an elite group of international male and female judges specializing in Quranic sciences, readings, and the rules of recitation. Contestants’ recitations are evaluated according to precise criteria covering memorization, recitation, Tajweed, and quality of performance, supported by an advanced electronic judging system applied by the Ministry. This system enhances the accuracy of score recording, reinforces fairness and transparency in evaluation, and contributes to the speed of announcing results.

International Impact

The broad participation of 133 countries in this year’s edition highlights the global reach of the competition and the Kingdom’s role as a custodian of the Holy Quran and a center of Islamic scholarship. The event draws contestants from diverse regions, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bonds among young Muslims worldwide. By hosting such an international gathering in Makkah, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its dedication to promoting Quranic education and providing a platform for talented memorizers to showcase their skills. The competition also serves as a testament to the Ministry’s efforts in utilizing modern technology to ensure fair and efficient judging, setting a benchmark for similar competitions globally.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Holy Quran aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing the Kingdom’s cultural and religious leadership, promoting moderation and tolerance, and empowering youth through meaningful engagement. It reflects the Vision’s emphasis on enhancing quality of life, fostering international cooperation, and leveraging digital innovation to serve noble objectives. As the competition continues to grow in scale and prestige, it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for Islamic heritage and a beacon of Quranic scholarship for generations to come.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the name of the competition currently taking place in Makkah?

A1. The competition is the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Q2. How many contestants participated on the fourth day of the final qualifiers?

A2. On the fourth day, the judging panels listened to 42 contestants: 26 male and 16 female, representing 40 countries from around the world.

Q3. How many total contestants have been heard since the final qualifiers began?

A3. Since the final qualifiers started, the panels have listened to 148 contestants, male and female, representing 101 countries.

Q4. How many contestants are participating in the current edition overall?

A4. The current edition includes 334 contestants representing 133 countries, competing across five branches of the competition.

Q5. What are the five branches of the competition?

A5. The branches are: memorizing the entire Quran with the seven mutawatir recitations, memorizing the entire Quran with Tajweed and interpretation, memorizing the entire Quran with Tajweed, memorizing fifteen consecutive parts, and memorizing five consecutive parts.

Q6. Who organizes the King Abdulaziz International Competition?

A6. The competition is organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Q7. What criteria are used to evaluate the contestants?

A7. Contestants are evaluated based on memorization, recitation, Tajweed, and quality of performance, using precise standards and an advanced electronic judging system.

Q8. What is the role of the electronic judging system?

A8. The electronic judging system enhances accuracy in score recording, reinforces fairness and transparency, and contributes to the speed of announcing results.

Q9. Where are the final qualifiers being held?

A9. The final qualifiers are being held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, across morning and evening sessions.

Q10. How many countries are represented in the current edition?

A10. The current edition features contestants from 133 countries, reflecting wide international participation.

Q11. Who are the members of the judging panels?

A11. The judging panels comprise elite international male and female judges specializing in Quranic sciences, readings, and the rules of recitation.

Q12. What is the significance of the competition for Saudi Arabia?

A12. It underscores the Kingdom’s role as a custodian of the Holy Quran, promotes Islamic scholarship, and strengthens cultural ties among Muslims worldwide.

Q13. How does the competition align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. It aligns with Vision 2030 by advancing cultural and religious leadership, promoting moderation, empowering youth, and leveraging digital innovation.

Q14. What is the Shatibiyyah method mentioned in the competition?

A14. The Shatibiyyah method refers to a specific way of reciting the Quran with the seven mutawatir recitations, both narration and understanding.

Q15. How many female contestants participated on the fourth day?

A15. On the fourth day, 16 female contestants participated alongside 26 male contestants, totaling 42.

Q16. What is the total number of male and female contestants heard so far?

A16. The panels have heard 148 contestants in total since the final qualifiers began, representing 101 countries.

Q17. What is the duration of the competition’s sessions?

A17. The competition sessions are held in two periods: morning and evening, as part of the fourth day of the final qualifiers.

Q18. What does the competition aim to achieve?

A18. It aims to encourage Quran memorization, promote Tajweed and interpretation, and provide a global platform for talented memorizers.

Q19. How does the competition contribute to cultural exchange?

A19. By bringing together contestants from 133 countries, it fosters cultural exchange, mutual respect, and bonds among young Muslims globally.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of the final qualifiers?

A20. The final qualifiers will determine the winners across the five branches, with results announced promptly thanks to the electronic judging system.

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