Several participants in the 27th King Salman bin Abdulaziz Prize for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran for boys and girls expressed their pride and honor in participating in this prestigious Quranic event. They emphasized that the generous patronage of the wise leadership of the Kingdom has been instrumental in expanding participation and increasing interest year after year, noting that competing in memorizing the Holy Quran is a great honor and a badge of pride they cherish.
A legacy rooted in serving the Holy Quran
Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a pioneer in serving the Holy Quran and its sciences, making the care of God's Book a cornerstone of its policies. The King Salman Holy Quran Competition, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, is the culmination of these long-standing efforts. It is not merely an annual event, but rather part of a comprehensive system aimed at instilling a love for the Quran in the hearts of young people, encouraging them to memorize it and reflect upon its meanings, thus nurturing a generation deeply connected to its faith and values. Over more than two decades, the competition has evolved into a national Quranic beacon, producing the finest memorizers to represent the Kingdom in international forums.
An exceptional session and comprehensive organization
The final rounds of the competition are being held in Riyadh, with 129 male and female contestants representing all thirteen regions of the Kingdom. A total of seven million riyals in prizes has been allocated for the winners, reflecting the significant attention and support given to those who memorize the Quran. The contestants praised the comprehensive organization provided by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, headed by His Excellency Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, which created an ideal and stimulating competitive environment that helped showcase the participants' exceptional proficiency and skill in memorization and recitation.
Echoes from the hearts of the competitors
In their statements, the contestants expressed their feelings about the event. Omar bin Ayash Al-Anzi , a participant in the second category from the Tabuk region, explained that the competition bearing the name of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques gives it great symbolic value, adding that he had prepared early for the finals through intensive review. For his part, Saud bin Hamad Al-Thubaiti, also from Tabuk, pointed out that the royal patronage was a major reason for encouraging children and youth to engage with the Book of God, emphasizing that everyone in this competition is a winner by virtue of the honor of participating.
Awad bin Sarhan described the competition as "strong and honorable," noting that he had spent months reviewing and consolidating his memorization in preparation for this stage. Contestant Abdulrahman Al-Rashidi his pride in participating in this event, which brings together a select group of Quran memorizers, emphasizing that his preparation was not merely training, but a spiritual journey that strengthened his connection to the Holy Quran.
Local and international impact of the competition
The impact of the King Salman Quran Competition extends beyond simply honoring memorizers; it serves as a fundamental pillar in strengthening Islamic and national identity among Saudi youth. Locally, the competition fosters a positive Quranic movement within society and encourages families to raise their children with a strong foundation in the Quran. Internationally, this competition reflects the Kingdom's radiant image as a nation founded on the Quran, presenting the world with a unique model of care for God's Book. Furthermore, it prepares male and female memorizers to compete strongly in international Quranic competitions, thus solidifying the Kingdom's position as the beating heart of the Islamic world.
