Islamic Affairs Minister Inaugurates Final Rounds Of King Abdulaziz Quran Competition With Global Participation

The 45th King Abdulaziz International Quran Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation Competition has commenced at the Grand Mosque. Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, inaugurated the final rounds. This event sees participation from 179 contestants representing 128 countries. Organised under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, it will span six days with both morning and evening sessions.

In his opening remarks, Minister Al Alsheikh highlighted the Kingdom's honour in serving the Holy Quran. He acknowledged this as a blessing from Allah, tracing this honour back to the era of founder King Abdulaziz. The minister expressed pride in hosting such a prestigious competition where participants aim to excel in memorising, reciting, and interpreting the Holy Quran at this sacred location.

The competition is overseen by an international panel of judges from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Uganda, and Albania. The ministry has established transparent judging criteria to ensure fairness throughout the event. This elite panel is tasked with evaluating contestants' performances based on these criteria.

To ensure transparency and fairness in judging, clear criteria have been set by the ministry. These guidelines are publicly announced to maintain integrity in evaluating participants' performances. The esteemed panel comprises judges from various countries including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Uganda, and Albania.

A total prize pool of SAR4 million is up for grabs in this competition. Additionally, SAR1 million will be distributed as cash gifts among all participants. This generous prize structure aims to encourage excellence among contestants while recognising their efforts.

The event has attracted significant attention from both local and international media outlets. Extensive coverage includes live broadcasts showcasing this global Quranic gathering. To facilitate media operations, a dedicated centre has been established by the ministry for receiving delegations and ensuring continuous live streaming.

Minister Al Alsheikh also emphasised that organising such an event reflects the Kingdom's commitment to honouring those who bear the Holy Quran. He noted that this dedication continues under Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

The competition's opening ceremony was widely covered by media channels worldwide. This extensive coverage underscores its significance as a major international Quranic event held at one of Islam's holiest sites.

This prestigious competition not only highlights Saudi Arabia's role in promoting Quranic knowledge but also fosters unity among Muslims globally through shared religious values.

With inputs from SPA