Qur’an memorizers compete in Makkah at King Abdulaziz International Competition

Makkah is currently hosting the climax of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Qur’an. Participants from a multitude of countries and continents have converged in the holy city to partake in this spiritual and scholarly event. The annual competition, orchestrated by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, has become a significant fixture in the Islamic world.

One of the contestants in the first category is Mauritanian Ibrahim Mohammed Said, who has expressed his profound involvement with Qur'an recitation sciences and his appreciation for the Saudi leadership and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for their dedication to the dissemination of the Qur'an and its followers, as well as for the organization of the competition.

Elias Al-Qurashi, representing Belgium in the fifth category, is filled with pride as he steps into the revered space of Makkah to recite the Qur'an at its place of revelation. He describes his participation as an extraordinary experience that instills focus and tranquility.

Ayyan from Belgium also made it to the finals, fulfilling a lifelong ambition of representing his country in this international competition within the grand setting of Makkah. Mohammed Zakaria, hailing from Bangladesh, is competing in the fourth category. He reminisces about his journey from a small village to Makkah, attributing his participation in the competition and standing in the Grand Mosque as a tremendous honor and an unforgettable milestone in his life.

Anil Roman Mandoldo, from Argentina, is the youngest participant in the fifth category, making him seven years old. He highlights the significance of participating in this global Qur'anic event near the Grand Mosque, deeming it a unique experience that will forever remain etched in his memory. The diverse backgrounds and cultures of the Qur'an memorizers participating in the competition underscore the event's role as a global platform for spiritual and scholarly discourse within the sacred precincts of the Grand Mosque.

The competition transcends the mere pursuit of accolades, providing participants with the opportunity to contemplate the significance of the Qur'an and to connect with fellow memorizers from across the globe—an experience that remains a pivotal moment in their spiritual journey with the Holy Book.