The annual international competition, established under Royal Decree No. 1.04.223 of Muharram 7, 1426 (February 16, 2005), is organized by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs as part of King Mohammed VI’s commitment, in his capacity as Commander of the Faithful, to the Quran and those who memorize, recite and master its recitation.
Running through August 12, this year’s edition brings together Quran memorizers, reciters and specialists in Quranic recitation from Arab, Islamic, African, Asian, European and American countries. A total of 53 countries, in addition to Morocco as the host country, were invited to take part.
According to the organizers, the competition aims to “advance the service of the Quran through care and understanding, encourage the pursuit of excellence through memorizing the Holy Book, understanding its meanings and mastering its principles, and select reciters, memorizers and interpreters who demonstrate the highest levels of proficiency.”
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Speaking on the occasion, Nourredine Maana, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, said the prize, which stands out for its academic level, is part of a series of Mohammed VI prizes dedicated to promoting the Quran and honoring its reciters, teachers and specialized scholars.
He noted that this year’s edition features 83 participants, with 41 competing in the category for complete Quran memorization with recitation and interpretation, and 42 in the category for Tajwid and memorization of five hizbs.
Maana added that the competition reflects the example set by the Prophet Muhammad in reciting and learning the Quran and seeking spiritual purification through it. He explained that the interpretation category goes beyond explaining vocabulary and uncommon terms to include grammar, rhetorical aspects and legal rulings, while the second category focuses on proficiency in Quranic recitation and performance.
For his part, El Yazid Er-Radi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Ulema, said that “the Kingdom of Morocco has always been known for its service to the Quran and its commitment to those who carry it in their hearts, a commitment that has deepened and grown stronger under the reign of King Mohammed VI.”
Er-Radi expressed Morocco’s pride in providing the participating reciters with comfortable conditions and taking care of their needs, stressing that the growing interest of young Muslims in the Quran is a major achievement and a clear sign of excellence.
Meanwhile, Taoufik El Abkari, head of the judging panels and a professor at the Mohammed VI Institute for Quranic Readings and Studies, said that the prize, now in its 20th edition and its second decade, links the competition to the commemoration of the Prophet’s birthday, in line with the Royal directives.
He added that the competition celebrates those devoted to the Quran and draws on the Prophetic tradition in recitation, memorization, reflection and spiritual purification, all within the framework of honorable competition.
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The competition features two main categories. The first is for complete memorization of the Quran, with recitation and interpretation of the ninth and tenth juz’. The second is for memorization of five consecutive hizbs, with Tajwid and proper recitation.
The contestants will be assessed by a ten-member judging panel made up of specialized scholars and Quran memorizers. Six are Moroccan scholars, from among whom the panel chair and rapporteur will be appointed, while four guest scholars represent Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia and Tanzania.
