Final Round of Quran Competition Continues with 26 Recitations on Day Four

The judging committee of the 44th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran heard recitations from 26 participants on the fourth day of the final round, held at the Grand Mosque of Makkah. The session, part of the annual competition organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, featured 13 contestants in the morning and 13 in the evening, bringing the total number of participants heard so far to 84.

Context and Background

The final round of this prestigious competition began on August 10, 2024, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It was officially inaugurated by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh. The event, held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, underscores Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to preserving and promoting the Holy Quran’s teachings globally.

Key Details

On the fourth day, the judging committee listened to recitations from contestants representing a diverse array of countries, including Iran, Guinea, Germany, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Réunion, Syria, Côte d’Ivoire, Bangladesh, India, Kuwait, Sweden, Sudan, Ethiopia, Oman, Pakistan, Myanmar, Benin, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, New Zealand, and Guyana. The competition features five categories and has attracted 174 contestants from 123 countries worldwide, with a total prize value of SAR 4,000,000.

Implications and Impact

This competition not only showcases global talent in Quran memorization and recitation but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in Islamic cultural and educational initiatives. By hosting participants from dozens of nations, the Kingdom fosters international dialogue and mutual respect, aligning with its broader goals of promoting peace and religious understanding. The event also highlights the Grand Mosque’s significance as a unifying spiritual center.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The King Abdulaziz International Competition is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to cultural and religious heritage, key pillars of Vision 2030. By supporting such initiatives, the Kingdom enhances its global standing as a hub for Islamic learning and interfaith dialogue, contributing to a vibrant society and a diversified economy. The competition’s success reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering global connections.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the King Abdulaziz International Competition?

A1. It is an annual Quran memorization, recitation, and interpretation competition organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, now in its 44th edition.

Q2. Who inaugurated the final round of the 44th competition?

A2. The final round was inaugurated by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Q3. Where is the final round being held?

A3. The final round is being held at the Grand Mosque of Makkah, one of the holiest sites in Islam and a central venue for such events.

Q4. How many participants are in the final round of the competition?

A4. The final round features 174 contestants from 123 countries worldwide, competing across five categories.

Q5. What is the total prize value for the competition?

A5. The total prize value for the competition is SAR 4,000,000, distributed among winners in different categories.

Q6. How many recitations were heard on the fourth day?

A6. On the fourth day, the judging committee heard recitations from 26 participants, with 13 in the morning and 13 in the evening.

Q7. Which countries were represented among contestants on the fourth day?

A7. Countries included Iran, Guinea, Germany, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Réunion, Syria, Côte d’Ivoire, Bangladesh, India, Kuwait, Sweden, Sudan, Ethiopia, Oman, Pakistan, Myanmar, Benin, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, New Zealand, and Guyana.

Q8. How many participants have been heard so far in the final round?

A8. As of the fourth day, the judging committee has heard recitations from 84 participants from various countries.

Q9. What is the role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in this competition?

A9. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance organizes the competition, manages logistics, and oversees the judging process.

Q10. Why is the Grand Mosque chosen as the venue for this competition?

A10. The Grand Mosque of Makkah is a central Islamic site that emphasizes the spiritual significance of the competition and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s role as a custodian of holy places.

Q11. How does this competition promote international engagement?

A11. By hosting contestants from 123 countries, the competition fosters cultural exchange, mutual respect, and global unity in Islamic learning.

Q12. What are the five categories of the competition?

A12. The five categories include memorization, recitation, and interpretation of the Holy Quran, though specific details are managed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Q13. When did the final round of the competition begin?

A13. The final round began on Saturday, August 10, 2024, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Q14. How does this competition align with Vision 2030?

A14. The competition supports Vision 2030 by promoting cultural heritage, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing, and fostering international dialogue and religious understanding.

Q15. How are the contestants selected for the final round?

A15. Contestants are selected through preliminary rounds held in their home countries, with top performers advancing to the final round in Saudi Arabia.

Q16. What is the significance of the 44th edition of the competition?

A16. The 44th edition continues a decades-long tradition of honoring Quran memorization and recitation, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic scholarship.

Q17. What is the schedule for the competition sessions?

A17. The competition includes daily sessions over several days, with morning and evening recitations, as announced by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Q18. Does the competition include participants from non-Muslim countries?

A18. Yes, participants from diverse countries, including those with Muslim and non-Muslim majorities, such as Germany, Sweden, and New Zealand, take part in the competition.

Q19. Who oversees the judging committee for the competition?

A19. The judging committee is composed of experts in Quranic sciences, appointed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.

Q20. How does the competition benefit contestants and the global community?

A20. The competition honors contestants’ dedication to Quranic memorization and recitation, while promoting spiritual growth, cultural exchange, and global awareness of Islamic traditions.

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