Female section in the King Abdulaziz Quran Competition
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, has approved a historic decision to add a section dedicated to women in the King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran. This blessed step comes in response to a recommendation submitted by His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and General Supervisor of Local and International Quran Competitions, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, reflecting the great care that the wise leadership gives to the Book of God Almighty.
A long history and a long journey in service of the Book of God
The King Abdulaziz Quran Competition is one of the most prominent and prestigious Islamic competitions in the world. Established in 1399 AH (1979 CE), this blessed competition has, since its inception, been undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to encourage Muslims worldwide to memorize, recite, and interpret the Holy Quran. These spiritually enriching competitions are held in the holiest place on earth, the Grand Mosque in Mecca, lending them a unique spiritual character and a distinguished place in the hearts of Muslims. Over the past decades, the competition has contributed to the graduation of thousands of memorizers and reciters who have become ambassadors of the Quran in their countries, thus affirming the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims.
The importance of adding a female section to the King Abdulaziz Quran Competition
The addition of a women's section to the King Abdulaziz Quran Competition a qualitative leap and a major developmental step in the competition's history. Locally, this decision reflects the Saudi leadership's deep belief in the pivotal role of women in building society and its recognition of their essential role in raising future generations on the values of the Holy Quran. Regionally and internationally, this step enhances the competition's inclusiveness and extends its global reach to include both boys and girls. This decision will open wide the door for female Quran memorizers from around the world to participate and compete honorably in memorizing the Holy Book, thus contributing to spreading correct religious awareness and promoting the moderation and balance that the Holy Quran calls for in all Muslim societies.
Organizational arrangements and date of the closing ceremony
Upon receiving the royal approval, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance immediately began taking all necessary measures to implement this historic decision. Organizational arrangements for the current session have been finalized to ensure the highest standards of quality and organization befitting the prestige of the competition and its participants. The royal approval also included holding the competition's closing ceremony on March 6, 1448 AH (corresponding to March 6, 2027), God willing. In this context, His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – for their generous care and support of all that serves the Holy Quran. He prayed to God Almighty to reward the wise leadership abundantly for its continuous efforts in teaching, printing, and distributing the Book of God, and for encouraging Muslim men and women to engage with it through recitation, memorization, and contemplation.
