Minister Approves Winners of 26th King Salman Quran Award

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, has officially approved the results and names of the winners of the 26th local competition for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Award for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran for boys and girls. The announcement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), follows the successful conclusion of the competition’s final rounds, which were held in Riyadh from Sha’ban 25 to 29, 1446 AH, and drew 125 contestants competing across six categories for a total prize pool exceeding SAR 7 million.

The approval marks the culmination of a rigorous, year-long selection process that began at the local level and progressed through regional qualifiers before reaching the national finals in the Saudi capital. The competition, named in honor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reflects the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to the Holy Quran, its memorization, and its teachings. For an international audience, the event offers a window into how Saudi Arabia integrates religious heritage with modern institutional excellence, youth development, and national pride. The Minister’s endorsement of the results also signals the high-level attention given to the competition, which stands as one of the most prestigious Quranic contests in the Islamic world.

Context and Background

How did this competition become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural calendar? The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Award for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran was established to encourage young Saudis and residents to engage deeply with the Holy Quran. Over its 26 editions, the competition has grown in scope, prestige, and participation, evolving into a national institution that attracts thousands of applicants each year. The local competition is part of a broader, multi-tiered system that includes regional and international branches, all overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

The final rounds, held in Riyadh, represent the apex of the local competition. The 125 contestants who reached this stage had already demonstrated exceptional mastery of Quranic memorization, recitation, and interpretation, having outperformed peers in earlier rounds. The six categories span different levels of memorization, from a few parts of the Quran to the entire text, and include dedicated tracks for both boys and girls. This structure ensures that participants of varying ages and abilities can compete at an appropriate level, fostering a culture of continuous learning and spiritual growth. The SAR 7 million prize pool underscores the Kingdom’s material and moral investment in nurturing a generation grounded in Islamic values.

The timing of the competition, during the month of Sha’ban, carries additional significance in the Islamic calendar. Sha’ban precedes the holy month of Ramadan, a period of heightened spiritual reflection and Quranic recitation. By concluding the competition just before Ramadan, the Ministry ensures that the winners and participants carry their momentum into the most sacred month, inspiring communities across the Kingdom to deepen their engagement with the Quran. This alignment with the Islamic calendar is a deliberate feature of the competition’s design, reinforcing its role as a spiritual catalyst.

Key Details of the 26th Edition

What distinguished this year’s competition from previous editions? According to the Saudi Press Agency, the final rounds took place from Sha’ban 25 to 29, 1446 AH, corresponding to late February and early March 2025. The 125 finalists were selected from a much larger pool of applicants who participated in preliminary rounds across the Kingdom’s regions. The competition’s six categories cater to different levels of Quranic memorization and interpretation, with separate divisions for boys and girls to ensure fair and focused competition. The total prize pool exceeded SAR 7 million, distributed among the winners and top performers in each category.

Minister Al Al-Sheikh praised the high level of the participants, highlighting their strong memorization of the Holy Quran, excellence in recitation, and outstanding performance in interpretation. He commended their remarkable achievement and well-deserved distinction in mastering both the memorization and understanding of the Quran. The Minister extended his congratulations to the winners and their parents, acknowledging the families’ crucial role in supporting their children’s Quranic education. He also advised the winners to continue adhering to the teachings of the Holy Quran in their daily lives, framing their success as both an honor and a responsibility.

The competition’s judging criteria are rigorous, evaluating not only the accuracy of memorization but also the beauty of recitation (tajweed), the correctness of pronunciation, and the depth of interpretation (tafseer). Contestants are assessed by a panel of qualified scholars and experts in Quranic sciences, ensuring that the results reflect the highest standards of Islamic scholarship. This comprehensive approach distinguishes the King Salman Award from simpler recitation contests, positioning it as a holistic measure of a participant’s engagement with the Quran.

International and Regional Impact

Why does a national Quran competition in Saudi Arabia resonate far beyond the Kingdom’s borders? The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Award is part of a wider Saudi effort to promote moderate Islam and support Quranic education globally. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance operates international branches of the competition, inviting participants from Muslim communities around the world to compete in similar contests. These international editions strengthen Saudi Arabia’s soft power and reinforce its role as a guardian of Islamic heritage, a responsibility that stems from its custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

For regional audiences, the competition serves as a model of youth engagement that balances religious devotion with educational excellence. Countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa look to Saudi Arabia’s Quranic institutions for guidance and inspiration. The participation of 125 finalists in the local competition, combined with the substantial prize pool, sends a clear message that the Kingdom values its youth and invests in their spiritual and intellectual development. This approach aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s emphasis on nurturing a vibrant society rooted in Islamic values and national pride.

Moreover, the competition fosters a sense of unity among Muslims worldwide. By celebrating the memorization and interpretation of the Quran, Saudi Arabia highlights the universal message of Islam and its relevance to contemporary life. The winners of the local competition often go on to represent the Kingdom in international Quranic contests, where they serve as ambassadors of Saudi Arabia’s rich Islamic tradition and its commitment to excellence.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What does the SAR 7 million prize pool signify about Saudi Arabia’s strategic priorities? The financial commitment reflects the Kingdom’s view of Quranic education as an investment in human capital and social cohesion. The prize money not only rewards individual achievement but also incentivizes families and communities to prioritize religious education. In a rapidly modernizing society, such initiatives help preserve cultural and religious identity, ensuring that young Saudis remain connected to their heritage even as they embrace new technologies and global opportunities.

Strategically, the competition supports Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of promoting moderate Islam and countering extremism. By encouraging a deep, scholarly engagement with the Quran, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance nurtures a generation that understands the Quran’s teachings in context, rejecting misinterpretations that extremist groups exploit. This aligns with Vision 2030’s objective of fostering a moderate, tolerant, and inclusive society. The competition also complements other national programs that promote religious moderation, such as the Ministry’s awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.

Economically, the event generates ancillary benefits, from tourism and hospitality in Riyadh during the final rounds to the long-term development of a skilled workforce grounded in ethical values. Participants who excel in the competition often pursue careers in education, law, and religious scholarship, contributing to the Kingdom’s knowledge economy. The media coverage of the event, both domestically and internationally, further enhances Saudi Arabia’s image as a country that honors its religious heritage while embracing progress.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the King Salman Award embody the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 seeks to build a thriving economy and a vibrant society, with Islam at its core. The competition directly supports the vision’s social pillar by empowering young people, strengthening family bonds, and promoting Islamic values. It also aligns with the vision’s human capital development goals, as participants develop discipline, memory skills, and a deep understanding of their faith—qualities that serve them in all areas of life.

Furthermore, the competition reinforces Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in Islamic affairs. As the birthplace of Islam and the custodian of its holiest sites, the Kingdom has a unique responsibility to support Quranic education worldwide. The King Salman Award, through its local and international editions, fulfills this responsibility by providing a platform for Muslims to celebrate their faith and showcase their talents. In doing so, it contributes to Vision 2030’s aim of projecting a positive image of Saudi Arabia on the world stage, one that highlights the Kingdom’s moderation, generosity, and commitment to peace.

As the winners of the 26th local competition move forward, they carry with them not only the honor of their achievement but also the hopes of a nation that sees in them the future guardians of its religious and cultural legacy. Their success is a testament to the enduring power of the Quran and to Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to its teachings—a dedication that will continue to shape the Kingdom’s path toward a prosperous and faithful future.

20 Questions

Q1. Who approved the results of the 26th King Salman Local Quran Competition?

A1. The results were approved by Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Q2. When and where were the final rounds of the competition held?

A2. The final rounds were held in Riyadh from Sha’ban 25 to 29, 1446 AH.

Q3. How many contestants participated in the final rounds?

A3. A total of 125 contestants participated in the final rounds.

Q4. How many categories were the contestants competing in?

A4. The contestants competed in six categories.

Q5. What was the total prize pool for the competition?

A5. The total prize pool exceeded SAR 7 million.

Q6. What is the full name of the competition?

A6. It is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Award for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran.

Q7. Which groups of students does the competition include?

A7. The competition includes both boys and girls.

Q8. What aspects of Quranic study does the competition evaluate?

A8. It evaluates memorization, recitation, performance, and interpretation of the Holy Quran.

Q9. What did the minister say about the participants’ level?

A9. He praised their high level, highlighting their strong memorization, excellence in recitation, and outstanding interpretation.

Q10. To whom did the minister extend congratulations?

A10. He extended congratulations to the winners and their parents for their success.

Q11. What advice did the minister give to the winners?

A11. He advised them to continue adhering to the teachings of the Holy Quran.

Q12. Which government body oversees the competition?

A12. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance oversees the competition.

Q13. What is the significance of the competition’s name?

A13. It is named after the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reflecting royal patronage.

Q14. How does the competition align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A14. It supports Vision 2030 by nurturing youth, promoting Islamic values, and fostering a vibrant society.

Q15. Does the competition have international editions?

A15. Yes, the Ministry organizes international branches of the competition for Muslims worldwide.

Q16. What is the role of parents in the competition?

A16. Parents support their children’s Quranic education, and the minister acknowledged their role in the winners’ success.

Q17. How does the competition promote moderate Islam?

A17. By encouraging deep, scholarly engagement with the Quran, it counters extremism and promotes tolerance.

Q18. What happens to winners after the competition?

A18. Winners may represent Saudi Arabia in international Quranic contests and pursue careers in education and religious scholarship.

Q19. Why is the competition held before Ramadan?

A19. It concludes before Ramadan to inspire participants and communities to deepen their Quranic engagement during the holy month.

Q20. What does the prize pool indicate about Saudi priorities?

A20. The SAR 7 million prize pool shows Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to religious education and youth development.

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