Details of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Quran and Sunnah Competition in Dakar
The judging committees successfully concluded their work in the second edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for the Holy Quran and Sunnah for African countries, hosted by Dakar, the capital of Senegal. This major Quranic event was organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and witnessed wide participation with 100 contestants representing 53 African countries. The committees concluded their hearings for all participants on Saturday evening, after two days of fair competition that showcased high levels of memorization and mastery.
The Kingdom's pioneering efforts through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for the Holy Quran and Sunnah
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for the Holy Quran and Sunnah is an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's long and distinguished history of serving the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Since its founding, the Kingdom has undertaken the responsibility of disseminating sound religious awareness and strengthening Muslims' connection to the sources of Islamic law. This international competition, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, is one of the most prominent initiatives reflecting the great care the wise leadership devotes to the Holy Quran. Holding this session in Africa for the second time underscores the Kingdom's commitment to reaching Muslims worldwide and providing the necessary support to those who memorize the Holy Quran, thus contributing to the consolidation of a correct understanding of Islam based on moderation and balance.
Competition details and various award categories
The competition witnessed fierce competition among participants, who were divided into two main categories. The first category was dedicated to the Holy Quran, with 70 contestants participating. It comprised four detailed sections: memorizing the entire Quran with the ten canonical readings (both in terms of transmission and understanding) and excellent recitation; memorizing the entire Quran with the interpretation of the last ten parts; and memorizing ten parts and three parts with proper Tajweed. The second category focused on the Prophetic Sunnah, with 30 participants. It included memorizing the abridged Sahih al-Bukhari in its entirety or parts thereof, with meticulous attention to the biographies of the Companions and their virtues, and mastery of the various scholarly topics. The judging panels listened to these recitations and presentations over four morning and evening sessions, reflecting the meticulous organization and high quality of the training programs in the participating countries.
Regional and international impact of promoting Islamic values in Africa
This massive Quranic event is not merely about competition and winning prizes; it extends to a profound regional and international impact. Regionally, the gathering of contestants from 53 African countries under one roof in Dakar presents a remarkable opportunity to strengthen fraternal bonds among the peoples of the continent and unite them in the spirit of the Holy Quran. Internationally, this event highlights the Kingdom's leading role in the Islamic world and contributes to protecting Muslim youth from intellectual deviation and extremism by connecting them to the pure Prophetic teachings. Furthermore, the extensive media coverage, involving more than 30 satellite channels, conveys this positive image to the entire world, reinforcing the Kingdom's pioneering role in supporting Quranic programs globally.
The closing ceremony and awarding of valuable prizes to the winners
All eyes will be on the grand closing ceremony this Sunday evening, which will honor the winners. The ceremony will be held virtually with the participation of His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, and in person with His Excellency the Minister of National Education of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Mustapha Mamba Guirassi. The event will also be attended by a number of political and Islamic leaders, as well as ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries accredited to Senegal. During the ceremony, the distinguished winners will be awarded generous cash prizes totaling over 2,100,000 Saudi Riyals. These valuable prizes are a recognition of their significant efforts in memorizing the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, and an incentive for them and other Muslims to continue striving for excellence and mastery in serving the two sacred sources of revelation.
