Contestants participating in the ‘Awwal Al-Awael’ Quran competition.
Doha, Qatar: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani attended the first-day competitions of the third edition of the international Quranic competition ‘Awwal Al-Awael’, the international branch of the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Competition, which began yesterday at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdulwahhab Mosque.
The competition brings together 42 contestants representing 19 countries, all of whom are winners of top positions in international Quranic competitions. The participants are competing for a place among the 10 finalists, with the ultimate winner set to receive a prize of QR1m.
The Undersecretary followed part of the in-person public examinations conducted before an international judging panel comprising prominent scholars of Quranic recitation and Tajweed. The tests assess contestants’ memorisation, precision, performance and understanding of the meanings of the Holy Quran.
On the first day, nine contestants from eight countries took part in the morning and evening sessions. The participants included contestants from Libya, Russia, Yemen, Oman, the United States, Egypt, Somalia and Bangladesh.
The competition features an exceptional level of expertise, with participants having secured first places in international Quranic contests. Several contestants also hold advanced qualifications in Quranic readings.
Among the participants, Abdullah bin Said bin Ali Al Hakamani of Oman has won first place several times in the Sultan Qaboos competition and also secured first place in the Egypt International Quran Competition. Muadh Mahmoud of Bangladesh won first place in the King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition and the Turkey International Quran Competition.
The competition’s distinctive format brings together top achievers in international Quranic contests or winners of the full Quran memorisation category of the Sheikh Jassim competition during the preceding three years.
This year, 98 contestants from 35 countries registered, with 82 participants from 33 countries taking part in the preliminary rounds. Following remote examinations conducted through video communication technology, 42 contestants from 19 countries qualified for the in-person stage in Doha.
The tests cover memorisation of the entire Holy Quran, Tajweed, recitation and the meanings of Quranic words based on the approved book ‘Al-Siraj fi Bayan Gharib Al-Quran’. Evaluation criteria include accuracy of memorisation, application of Tajweed rules, quality of performance and voice.
The first stage will continue until November 14, with results announced on November 15. The 10 finalists will compete on November 16 and 17, ahead of the closing ceremony on November 19.
The competition reflects Qatar’s commitment to serving the Holy Quran and its memorisers, while strengthening the country’s international standing in Quranic initiatives. It also aligns with the Ministry’s strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030 in promoting Islamic values, religious education and cultural identity.
