Grand Mosque Imam Honors Winners of Quran Competition in South Africa

Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Yasser bin Rashid Al-Dosari, honored the winners of the 14th National Quran Memorization Competition 2024 in South Africa on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The ceremony took place at Nurul Islam Masjid in Lenasia, Gauteng province, with approximately 400 male and female contestants participating. The event was organized by the South African National Quran Council and attended by the Religious Attaché of the Saudi Embassy in South Africa, Muhammad bin Abdul Salam Ashour, and the Head of the South African National Quran Council, Sheikh Qari Basheer Patel, alongside numerous Islamic figures and association leaders.

Context and Background

Sheikh Al-Dosari’s participation in the competition’s closing ceremony is part of a broader program of visits by imams of the Two Holy Mosques, organized and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance. This initiative reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to supporting the memorization, recitation, and dissemination of the Holy Quran globally. The competition, which began in 2001, has grown into a significant event endorsed by successive Saudi ambassadors, underscoring the Kingdom’s dedication to nurturing Islamic scholarship and community engagement abroad.

Key Details

The competition brought together around 400 male and female contestants, with 22 male and 13 female contestants advancing to higher levels. Participants demonstrated their memorization abilities by mastering various portions of the Quran, including the entire Quran (30 Juz’), half of the Quran (15 Juz’), and five Juz’. Nine male contestants and seven female contestants emerged as winners, receiving prizes totaling 200,000 Saudi Riyals. In his speech during the ceremony, Sheikh Al-Dosari emphasized that the Quran represents the constitution of the Muslim nation and serves as a source of guidance and enlightenment. He highlighted the Quran’s role in leading people from darkness to light and stressed that no aspect of religion or the universe remains unclear thanks to the Quran.

International Impact

Sheikh Al-Dosari reiterated that Saudi Arabia has demonstrated immense care for the Holy Quran and its reciters since the Kingdom’s establishment by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, a tradition upheld by his successors, including the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH the Crown Prince. The Religious Attaché of the Saudi Embassy in South Africa, Muhammad bin Abdul Salam Ashour, emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the care and dissemination of the Holy Quran globally. This event strengthens cultural and religious ties between Saudi Arabia and South Africa, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which promotes cultural exchange, global engagement, and the Kingdom’s role as a leader in the Islamic world. By supporting Quran memorization competitions and facilitating visits by imams of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia reinforces its commitment to fostering spiritual growth and interfaith dialogue. Such efforts contribute to building bridges with communities worldwide, showcasing the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving Islamic heritage and promoting peace.

20 Questions

Q1. Who presided over the closing ceremony of the 14th National Quran Memorization Competition in South Africa?

A1. Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Yasser bin Rashid Al-Dosari, presided over the closing ceremony held on September 14, 2024.

Q2. Where was the competition’s closing ceremony held?

A2. The ceremony took place at Nurul Islam Masjid in Lenasia, Gauteng province, South Africa.

Q3. Who organized the 14th National Quran Memorization Competition?

A3. The South African National Quran Council organized the competition.

Q4. How many contestants participated in the competition?

A4. Approximately 400 male and female contestants participated in the competition.

Q5. How many contestants advanced to higher levels?

A5. Twenty-two male contestants and 13 female contestants advanced to higher levels.

Q6. What portions of the Quran did contestants memorize?

A6. Contestants memorized the entire Quran (30 Juz’), half of the Quran (15 Juz’), and five Juz’.

Q7. How many winners were there in the competition?

A7. Nine male contestants and seven female contestants emerged as winners.

Q8. What was the total prize amount awarded to winners?

A8. Winners received prizes totaling 200,000 Saudi Riyals.

Q9. Which Saudi ministry organized Sheikh Al-Dosari’s visit to South Africa?

A9. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance organized the visit as part of the imams of the Two Holy Mosques program.

Q10. Who represented the Saudi Embassy at the ceremony?

A10. The Religious Attaché of the Saudi Embassy in South Africa, Muhammad bin Abdul Salam Ashour, attended the ceremony.

Q11. Who is the Head of the South African National Quran Council?

A11. Sheikh Qari Basheer Patel is the Head of the South African National Quran Council.

Q12. What did Sheikh Al-Dosari emphasize in his speech?

A12. Sheikh Al-Dosari emphasized that the Quran is the constitution of the Muslim nation and a source of guidance and enlightenment.

Q13. How did Sheikh Al-Dosari describe the Quran’s role?

A13. He described the Quran as a guiding light leading people from darkness to light and revealing clear truth.

Q14. What did Sheikh Al-Dosari say about Saudi Arabia’s care for the Quran?

A14. He said Saudi Arabia has demonstrated immense care for the Quran and its reciters since its founding by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.

Q15. Who continued the tradition of supporting the Quran in Saudi Arabia?

A15. The tradition continued through King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince.

Q16. What did Sheikh Al-Dosari express gratitude for?

A16. He expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care for the Quran and service to Islam and Muslims worldwide.

Q17. When did the Quran competition in South Africa first begin?

A17. The competition began in 2001.

Q18. Who endorsed the competition in its early years?

A18. The competition was endorsed by many Saudi ambassadors, according to the Religious Attaché.

Q19. What broader Saudi program does this visit belong to?

A19. The visit belongs to the program of visits by imams of the Two Holy Mosques, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.

Q20. How does this event align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A20. This event promotes cultural exchange, global engagement, and Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in the Islamic world, supporting Vision 2030 goals.

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