10th International Holy Quran Competition for Military Personnel Underway in Makkah

The 10th International Holy Quran Competition for Military Personnel, organized by the General Administration for Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces, continues in Makkah with 179 contestants from 32 countries. The competition, which began on February 5, 2025, is being held under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Defense, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting Islamic values among military personnel worldwide.

Context and Background

This annual competition serves as a platform for military personnel from Muslim-majority and other nations to demonstrate their mastery of Quran memorization, recitation, and interpretation. Saudi Arabia, as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has long supported initiatives that foster religious knowledge and unity. The event aligns with the Kingdom’s broader cultural and educational outreach, emphasizing the importance of the Quran in guiding moral and spiritual development within armed forces.

Key Details

The director-general of the General Administration of Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces and supervisor-general of the competition, Maj. Gen. Dr. Misfer Al-Issa, noted that this edition is the largest in terms of participants and international representation. Contestants undergo rigorous judging sessions where they showcase their abilities in memorizing, perfecting, and reciting the Holy Quran. An accompanying exhibition has attracted significant attention, offering visitors the chance to learn about the activities of participating organizations, which aim to deepen understanding of the Quran and enhance its recitation and memorization.

Implications and Impact

The competition reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a global center for Islamic learning and interfaith dialogue. By bringing together military personnel from diverse nations, it promotes mutual respect and shared values, contributing to regional stability. The event also strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and participating countries, showcasing the Kingdom’s soft power through religious and cultural initiatives.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative supports Vision 2030‘s goal of enhancing the Kingdom’s global standing in cultural and religious spheres. By investing in programs that preserve and promote Islamic heritage, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to fostering a vibrant society rooted in its faith, while also building international partnerships that contribute to long-term peace and cooperation.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the International Holy Quran Competition for Military Personnel?

A1. It is an annual event organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Administration for Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces, where military personnel from various countries compete in Quran memorization, recitation, and interpretation.

Q2. When and where is the 10th edition taking place?

A2. The 10th edition began on February 5, 2025, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and continues over several days with judging sessions and accompanying exhibitions.

Q3. How many contestants are participating in this year’s competition?

A3. A total of 179 contestants from 32 countries are participating, making it the largest edition in terms of participation.

Q4. Who supervises the competition?

A4. Maj. Gen. Dr. Misfer Al-Issa, director-general of the General Administration of Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces, serves as supervisor-general of the competition.

Q5. What is the purpose of the competition?

A5. The competition aims to promote the memorization and understanding of the Holy Quran among military personnel, fostering spiritual growth and unity.

Q6. Which organization organizes the event?

A6. The General Administration for Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces, under the Saudi Ministry of Defense, organizes the competition.

Q7. How are contestants evaluated?

A7. Contestants are judged on their abilities in memorizing, perfecting, and reciting the Holy Quran during judging sessions conducted by qualified scholars.

Q8. What is the significance of Makkah as the venue?

A8. Makkah is the holiest city in Islam, housing the Grand Mosque, and its selection underscores the spiritual importance of the event.

Q9. Is there an exhibition associated with the competition?

A9. Yes, an accompanying exhibition features activities from participating organizations that deepen understanding of the Quran and enhance its recitation.

Q10. How does this competition support Vision 2030?

A10. It aligns with Vision 2030 by enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global cultural and religious influence and promoting the Kingdom as a center for Islamic learning.

Q11. Which countries are participating in the competition?

A11. Contestants from 32 countries, including Muslim-majority and other nations, are taking part, though the specific list is not detailed in the source.

Q12. How does the competition benefit participating military personnel?

A12. It allows them to showcase their religious knowledge, network with peers, and gain recognition for their efforts in Quran memorization.

Q13. What is the role of the Saudi Ministry of Defense in the event?

A13. The Ministry of Defense provides patronage and support, reflecting the armed forces’ commitment to religious and moral development.

Q14. Are there any awards for winners?

A14. Yes, winners typically receive prizes, though specific awards for this edition are not detailed in the provided source.

Q15. How long has the competition been running?

A15. The competition is in its 10th year, indicating a decade-long tradition of promoting Quranic excellence among military personnel.

Q16. What is the judging criteria?

A16. Contestants are assessed on memorization accuracy, fluency, proper pronunciation (tajweed), and overall recitation quality.

Q17. How does the event promote international goodwill?

A17. It brings together military personnel from diverse nations, fostering mutual respect and shared Islamic values.

Q18. Can the public attend the competition or exhibition?

A18. The source indicates the exhibition is open to visitors, though specific attendance details are not provided.

Q19. What is the historical significance of the competition?

A19. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in preserving Islamic heritage and supporting Quran memorization among armed forces over the past decade.

Q20. How does Saudi Arabia support Quranic education globally?

A20. Through competitions, publications, and educational programs, Saudi Arabia actively promotes Quranic studies and memorization worldwide, reinforcing its leadership in Islamic affairs.

---