Saudi Arabia Adds Women's Section to King Abdulaziz Qur'an Competition
Female contestants will officially participate in the long-running Qur'an competition for the first time.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's King Salman has approved the introduction of a women’s section to the upcoming King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an.
This marks the first time female contestants will officially participate in the long-running Qur'an competition.
The decision was made following a recommendation submitted by Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, Saudi Arabia’s minister of Islamic affairs, da'wah, and guidance, who also serves as general supervisor of local and international Qur’an competitions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs under the patronage of King Salman, the competition is held annually at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and is regarded as one of the Kingdom’s most prominent international Quranic events.
The inclusion of a women’s category represents a major development in the competition's history since its launch in 1979, expanding participation to both male and female contestants from around the world.
The approval also included setting the competition’s closing ceremony for August 19.
Al-Sheikh thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support for Qur'anic initiatives and efforts promoting the teaching and study of the Holy Quran.
He said the move reflected the leadership's commitment to encouraging young Muslims, both male and female, to memorize and reflect on the Qur'an, while also recognizing the important role of women in society.
The minister added that the Ministry had begun implementing the necessary organizational arrangements for the upcoming edition of the competition, with preparations aimed at ensuring high standards of quality and organization.
This marks the first time female contestants will officially participate in the long-running Qur'an competition.
The decision was made following a recommendation submitted by Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, Saudi Arabia’s minister of Islamic affairs, da'wah, and guidance, who also serves as general supervisor of local and international Qur’an competitions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs under the patronage of King Salman, the competition is held annually at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and is regarded as one of the Kingdom’s most prominent international Quranic events.
The inclusion of a women’s category represents a major development in the competition's history since its launch in 1979, expanding participation to both male and female contestants from around the world.
The approval also included setting the competition’s closing ceremony for August 19.
Al-Sheikh thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support for Qur'anic initiatives and efforts promoting the teaching and study of the Holy Quran.
He said the move reflected the leadership's commitment to encouraging young Muslims, both male and female, to memorize and reflect on the Qur'an, while also recognizing the important role of women in society.
The minister added that the Ministry had begun implementing the necessary organizational arrangements for the upcoming edition of the competition, with preparations aimed at ensuring high standards of quality and organization.
