Royal approval to hold the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Holy Quran Competition in Senegal

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced the approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, to hold of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for the Holy Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah for African countries. This prestigious competition will be held in the Republic of Senegal from the 6th to the 11th of Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH, with the participation of up to 100 contestants representing 53 African countries. This reflects Saudi Arabia's leading role in serving joint Islamic work and honoring those who have memorized the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

Objectives and mission of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Holy Quran Competition in Africa

This major competition, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Senegal, in cooperation with the General Authority for Endowments, aims to promote the study and preservation of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The competition seeks to encourage the younger generations of Muslims in Africa to memorize these two sources of revelation and reflect upon their profound meanings, and to instill in them the values ​​of moderation, balance, and the correct Islamic approach, far removed from extremism and fanaticism.

The event also contributes to stimulating the spirit of fair competition in the fields of goodness and righteousness, building a generation armed with sound Islamic doctrine, in addition to highlighting the pioneering and historical role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving Islam and Muslims and providing continuous support to the memorizers of the Holy Qur’an around the world, and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity among the different Islamic peoples.

A long-standing Saudi legacy in serving the two holy revelations

This generous approval is an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's long and distinguished history of sponsoring and disseminating the Holy Quran. From the founding of the state by King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – to the prosperous era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them – the Kingdom has given utmost attention to printing the Holy Quran through the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran in Madinah, and to organizing local and international competitions that celebrate memorizers and reciters.

His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, the General Supervisor of Local and International Competitions, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh, expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership for this generous support and kind paternal care, which embodies the Kingdom’s deep interest in serving Islam and Muslims in all parts of the world, especially in the African continent, which enjoys a special status.

The regional and international impact of the competition in the African continent

Holding this competition in Senegal carries significant strategic implications; it strengthens the distinguished bilateral relations between Riyadh and Dakar and underscores Senegal's pivotal role as a center of cultural and Islamic influence in West Africa. The competition is expected to generate widespread religious and intellectual activity across the 53 participating African countries, fostering the exchange of expertise among Quranic memorization and religious education institutions on the continent and supporting efforts to promote the values ​​of tolerance and peaceful coexistence advocated by Islam.

Branches and tracks of the scientific competition

The competition is divided into two main branches covering the Holy Quran and the purified Sunnah of the Prophet:

The first branch: The Holy Quran, which includes four sub-branches:

• The first branch: Memorizing the entire Holy Quran with the ten transmitted readings from the paths of Al-Shatibiyyah and Al-Durrah (narration and understanding) with good performance.
• The second branch: Memorizing the entire Holy Quran with good performance and intonation, and interpreting the last ten parts (from Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 46 to the end of Surah An-Nas).
• Third branch: Memorizing ten consecutive parts with good performance and intonation.
• The fourth branch: Memorizing three consecutive parts with good performance and intonation.

The second branch: The Prophetic Sunnah, which includes three sub-branches focusing on preserving the Sunnah and biographies of the narrators:

• The first branch: Memorizing the entire abridged version of Sahih al-Bukhari, along with the biography of the companion who narrated it (name, nickname, attributes, death, and his virtues) and paying attention to the chapters.
• The second branch: Memorizing a summary of Sahih al-Bukhari from the beginning of the book up to Hadith No. 1344, with the biography of the companion and attention to the chapters.
• Third branch: Memorizing a summary of Sahih al-Bukhari from the beginning of the book up to Hadith No. 670, with the biography of the companion and attention to the chapters.