King Salman Quran and Sunnah Competition in Dakar: 100 contestants from 53 countries
A fierce competition between 100 contestants in the Senegalese capital
The judging committees in Dakar, Senegal, concluded their work in the second edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Competition for Memorization of the Holy Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah for African countries. The competition, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, witnessed fierce competition among 100 participants representing 53 African countries. Over two days, the judges listened to the recitations and presentations of the contestants in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere that reflected the high level of the participants.
The contestants were divided into seven categories: 70 participants in the four Quranic recitation categories and 30 in the three Prophetic traditions categories. The judging panels worked through four sessions, morning and evening, on Friday and Saturday, to accurately and objectively evaluate the performance of all participants, praising the mastery and excellence demonstrated by those who had memorized the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
An extension of historical efforts in the service of the two revelations
This competition is part of a series of global Quranic initiatives and competitions that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been organizing and sponsoring for decades. It is a natural extension of major competitions such as the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran, one of the oldest and most prestigious Quranic competitions in the world. Dedicating a version of the competition to the African continent underscores the deep religious and cultural ties that bind the Kingdom to the countries of the continent, and its commitment to encouraging African youth to adhere to the fundamental sources of Islamic law.
Prominent regional and international importance
The competition holds immense importance on multiple levels. Locally in Senegal, hosting this major event enhances Dakar's standing as a center of Islamic influence in West Africa and strengthens bilateral relations with the Kingdom. Regionally, the competition provides a unique platform for bringing together young Muslims from across the continent, fostering brotherhood and unity and encouraging healthy competition in serving the Quran and Sunnah. Internationally, the competition highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in the Muslim world and its efforts to promote the values of moderation and tolerance through its dedication to the Holy Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah, presenting them as a universal message of peace and tolerance.
Closing ceremony and honoring the winners
A closing ceremony honoring the winners is scheduled for Sunday evening, attended by high-ranking figures, including the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and his Senegalese counterpart, the Minister of National Education, as well as a number of Islamic leaders and accredited ambassadors. The event is receiving extensive media coverage, reflecting its scale and significance as the largest gathering of Quran and Sunnah memorizers in Africa. During the ceremony, valuable cash prizes totaling over 2,100,000 Saudi Riyals will be awarded to the winners in recognition of their efforts and to encourage them to continue their journey with the Quran and Sunnah.
