THE 46th session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorising, Reciting and Interpreting the Holy Qur’an officially commenced in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, with a record 334 male and female contestants from 133 countries participating in this year’s edition.
News Point Nigeria reports that the prestigious competition is being held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and is organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.
The competition, which will run until Rabi Al-Awwal 6, corresponding to August 19, has attracted the largest number of participants since its inception, reflecting its growing global significance among Muslim communities.
According to the organisers, the annual event is designed to encourage young Muslims to memorise, understand and reflect upon the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, while promoting healthy and honourable competition among participants from across the world.
The competition also seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to serving the Holy Qur’an and honouring those who dedicate themselves to its memorisation, recitation and interpretation.
In a historic first, this year’s edition features separate competitions for female participants, with their events taking place at the Makkah Hilton Hotel & Convention.
Meanwhile, the finals for the male categories, as well as the grand closing ceremony, will be held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The competition is divided into five categories, with participants competing for a total prize pool of SR10,260,000 (approximately ₦3.7 billion), the highest prize fund since the international Qur’an competition was established.
