ثقافي / انطلاق فعاليات مسابقة جائزة محمد السادس الدولية في حفظ القرآن الكريم وترتيله وتجويده وتفسيره بالرباط

The 20th edition of the Mohammed VI International Prize for Quran Memorization, Recitation, Cantillation, and Interpretation commenced in Rabat, Morocco, drawing participants from 53 countries across five continents. The three-day competition, which began on August 10, 2026, is taking place under the patronage of the Kingdom of Morocco and features 83 distinguished memorizers, reciters, and cantillation specialists. The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of government officials, diplomats, and religious scholars, including the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Saleh, and the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik.

Context and Background

The Mohammed VI International Prize for Quran Memorization represents one of the most prestigious Quranic competitions in the Islamic world, reflecting the enduring commitment of Islamic nations to preserving and propagating the Holy Quran. Now in its 20th edition, the competition has established itself as a cornerstone event that brings together the world’s most talented Quranic scholars and reciters, fostering a spirit of brotherhood and spiritual excellence across the global Muslim community.

The competition underscores the deep cultural and religious ties that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the Kingdom of Morocco and other Islamic nations. Saudi Arabia’s participation in such events aligns with its historic role as the guardian of Islam’s holiest sites and its unwavering dedication to serving the Holy Quran and supporting Islamic causes worldwide. The presence of Saudi diplomatic representatives at the opening ceremony highlights the Kingdom’s continued commitment to strengthening Islamic solidarity and cultural diplomacy.

Quranic competitions of this nature have a rich history in the Islamic world, serving as platforms for spiritual development, educational excellence, and cultural exchange. They represent a vital component of the broader Islamic educational tradition that has been preserved and transmitted across generations for over fourteen centuries. These gatherings provide opportunities for scholars and students to deepen their understanding of the Quran’s linguistic, theological, and ethical dimensions.

Key Details

The competition is structured around two principal categories designed to accommodate different levels of Quranic proficiency. The first category requires participants to memorize the entire Holy Quran while demonstrating proficiency in recitation and interpretation. The second category focuses on the memorization of five consecutive sections of the Quran, with emphasis on proper cantillation and excellence in performance. This dual structure ensures that the competition remains accessible to a broad range of participants while maintaining rigorous standards of Quranic scholarship.

Among the distinguished attendees at the opening ceremony were ambassadors from various Arab and Islamic countries, reflecting the truly international character of this competition. Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director-General of ICESCO, lent his presence to the proceedings, symbolizing the importance of inter-organizational cooperation in promoting Islamic education and cultural heritage. The participation of such high-level dignitaries underscores the significance that Islamic nations attach to Quranic education and the preservation of religious traditions.

The organizers have articulated clear objectives for the competition, including advancing the service of the Holy Quran, encouraging its memorization and contemplation, and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in reciting and learning the Quran. Additionally, the competition aims to familiarize participants and audiences with the rhetorical dimensions and religious rulings contained within the Quranic text, thereby promoting a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Islamic teachings.

International Impact

The competition serves as a powerful testament to the unity of the Islamic Ummah, bringing together participants from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds under the shared banner of Quranic scholarship. By facilitating interaction among memorizers, reciters, and scholars from 53 countries, the event promotes mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and the strengthening of bonds between Muslim communities worldwide.

The participation of Saudi Arabian representatives adds particular significance to the event, given the Kingdom’s role as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and its leadership in Islamic affairs. Saudi Arabia’s engagement in such international Islamic gatherings reflects its broader foreign policy objectives of promoting moderation, supporting Islamic education, and fostering unity among Muslim nations. This participation also highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030’s emphasis on cultural diplomacy and international engagement.

The competition’s international character provides opportunities for participants to learn from one another, exchange best practices in Quranic education, and develop networks that will benefit Islamic education initiatives globally. Such interactions contribute to the development of a more cohesive and collaborative Islamic intellectual community, capable of addressing contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in traditional Islamic scholarship.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Mohammed VI International Prize for Quran Memorization resonates with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework, which emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage, spiritual development, and international cooperation. Vision 2030 recognizes the Kingdom’s unique position as the heart of the Islamic world and seeks to enhance its role in promoting Islamic values, supporting religious education, and fostering global dialogue.

Saudi Arabia’s participation in this competition exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030’s objectives of strengthening cultural ties, promoting moderate Islamic values, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in Islamic affairs. By actively engaging in such prestigious international competitions, the Kingdom reinforces its position as a beacon of Islamic scholarship and a champion of the Quranic tradition.

The event also aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on developing human capital and fostering excellence in religious education. The participation of Saudi scholars and officials in these initiatives demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication to nurturing a generation of individuals deeply rooted in Islamic knowledge and committed to the teachings of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Mohammed VI International Prize for Quran Memorization?

A1. The Mohammed VI International Prize is a prestigious annual competition that brings together Quranic scholars and reciters from around the world to demonstrate their proficiency in memorizing, reciting, cantillating, and interpreting the Holy Quran, promoting Islamic education and cultural exchange.

Q2. Where and when did the 20th edition of the competition begin?

A2. The 20th edition commenced in the capital city of Rabat, Morocco, on August 10, 2026, corresponding to 28 Safar 1448 AH, and is scheduled to run for three days, concluding on August 12, 2026.

Q3. How many participants are competing in this year’s edition?

A3. The competition features 83 distinguished participants, including memorizers, reciters, and cantillation specialists, representing 53 different countries from across the five continents of the world.

Q4. Which Saudi official attended the opening ceremony?

A4. Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Saleh, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kingdom of Morocco, attended the opening ceremony, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Islamic unity and cultural diplomacy.

Q5. What are the two main categories of the competition?

A5. The competition includes two principal categories: memorization of the entire Quran with recitation and interpretation, and memorization of five consecutive chapters with cantillation and excellence in performance.

Q6. Who is the Director-General of ICESCO attending the event?

A6. Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), attended the opening ceremony, demonstrating the importance of inter-organizational cooperation in Islamic education.

Q7. What are the stated objectives of the competition?

A7. The competition aims to promote service to the Quran, encourage its memorization and contemplation, follow the Prophet’s example in recitation and learning, and familiarize participants with rhetorical dimensions and religious rulings in the Quran.

Q8. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from participating in this competition?

A8. Saudi participation enhances the Kingdom’s leadership in Islamic affairs, strengthens cultural ties with other Muslim nations, and supports Vision 2030 objectives of cultural diplomacy, moderate Islamic values, and international engagement.

Q9. What is the significance of holding this competition in Rabat?

A9. Rabat, as Morocco’s capital and a historic center of Islamic scholarship, provides an appropriate setting for this international gathering, symbolizing the shared commitment of Islamic nations to preserving Quranic traditions.

Q10. How long has the Mohammed VI International Prize been held?

A10. The competition is currently in its 20th edition, indicating nearly two decades of continuous dedication to Quranic scholarship, Islamic education, and international cultural exchange among Muslim communities worldwide.

Q11. What distinguishes the participants in this competition?

A11. Participants are distinguished memorizers, reciters, and cantillation specialists from 53 countries who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in Quranic sciences, representing the finest examples of Islamic educational excellence.

Q12. How does this competition support Islamic education globally?

A12. By bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds, the competition facilitates knowledge exchange, promotes best practices in Quranic education, and inspires young Muslims to pursue excellence in Islamic learning and spiritual development.

Q13. What role do ambassadors play in this event?

A13. Ambassadors from Arab and Islamic countries attend to demonstrate their nations’ support for Quranic education, strengthen diplomatic ties, and reinforce the shared commitment of Islamic states to preserving their religious heritage.

Q14. What is ICESCO’s role in supporting such competitions?

A14. ICESCO, as the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, supports Quranic competitions by promoting educational initiatives, fostering cultural exchange, and preserving Islamic heritage across its member states.

Q15. How does the competition reflect Islamic unity?

A15. By gathering participants from 53 countries across five continents under the shared banner of Quranic scholarship, the competition exemplifies the unity of the Islamic Ummah and demonstrates the universal appeal of the Quran.

Q16. What criteria are used to evaluate participants?

A16. Participants are evaluated on their accuracy in memorization, quality of recitation, proficiency in cantillation, understanding of interpretation, and overall excellence in performance according to established Islamic scholarly standards.

Q17. How does Vision 2030 relate to Islamic competitions?

A17. Vision 2030 emphasizes cultural diplomacy, moderate Islamic values, and Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic affairs, all of which are reflected in the Kingdom’s active participation in prestigious Quranic competitions worldwide.

Q18. What is the historical significance of Quranic competitions?

A18. Quranic competitions have historical roots in Islamic tradition, serving as platforms for spiritual development, educational excellence, and cultural exchange that have preserved and transmitted Islamic knowledge across generations for over fourteen centuries.

Q19. How does the competition promote moderate Islam?

A19. By focusing on Quranic memorization, interpretation, and the Prophet’s example, the competition promotes moderate Islamic values, encouraging participants to embody the Quran’s teachings of peace, tolerance, and spiritual devotion.

Q20. What message does Saudi Arabia’s participation send to the Islamic world?

A20. Saudi Arabia’s participation signals the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to serving Islam, supporting Quranic education, strengthening Islamic solidarity, and fulfilling its role as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and leader of the Islamic world.

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