King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition opens in Makkah

Under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition for memorization, recitation, and interpretation began today in Makkah. Organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the event features 334 male and female contestants from 133 countries, marking the largest participation since the competition was established nearly four decades ago.

The competition aims to encourage Muslim youth to memorize and understand the Qur’an, foster a spirit of fair competition, strengthen the bond between young people and the Holy Qur’an, and highlight Saudi Arabia’s leadership and efforts in serving, teaching, and supporting Qur’an memorization.

The final rounds and closing ceremony for male participants will be held at the Grand Mosque, while the Hilton Conference Hall in Makkah will host the women’s competitions and their closing ceremony. For the first time in the competition’s history, women’s events are being organized independently, reflecting both the event’s growth and the increasing international participation, as well as the recognition of women’s roles in the Islamic community.

Competition categories and prizes

The competition features five categories: memorization of the entire Qur’an with the seven recitations, memorization with interpretation of vocabulary, full memorization, memorization of fifteen consecutive sections, and memorization of five consecutive sections. The total prize pool stands at 10,260,000 riyals (SAR), the highest since the competition’s inception.

The ministry has completed all organizational, technical, and logistical preparations to welcome the contestants, including arranging accommodations near the Grand Mosque, preparing competition venues, and organizing cultural programs and visits to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah to enrich participants’ experiences and showcase Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques.