Mecca — The winners of the 43rd King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Quran were announced on Wednesday in Mecca by Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs hosted the concluding ceremony, which saw participants from 117 nations compete across five categories, with a total of $1 million in prizes awarded to the winners.
In the first category, Ayoub bin Abdulaziz Al-Wahibi, a Saudi Arabian participant, claimed the top spot and received a prize of $132,000. Demonstrating exceptional skills in memorization, recitation, and interpretation of the Holy Quran, Al-Wahibi’s achievement was celebrated.
Ammar bin Salem Al-Shahri, another Saudi national, secured first place in the second category and was awarded $79,000 in prize money. His remarkable recitation and understanding of the Quran captivated the judges and earned him the prestigious title.
Mohammed bin Ibrahim Mohammed from Somalia triumphed in the third category, impressing the judges with his mastery of Quranic recitation and interpretation. He received a prize of $53,000 for his outstanding performance.
In the fourth category, Mohammed Ghai, representing Senegal, claimed the first-place position. His skilled recitation and deep understanding of the Quran’s teachings earned him a prize of $39,000.
Finally, Elias Abdou from Larionion emerged as the winner of the fifth category, impressing the judges with his memorization and eloquent recitation of the Holy Quran. For his remarkable achievement, Abdou was awarded $17,000 in cash.
The King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Quran is a prestigious event that promotes the preservation and understanding of the Quran among Muslims worldwide. The competition brings together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate their devotion and mastery of the Holy Quran’s teachings.
The winners of this year’s competition have not only showcased their exceptional skills but have also served as ambassadors of their respective nations. Their dedication to the Quran and its teachings is a testament to their commitment to promoting the values of peace, unity, and spirituality.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, along with the esteemed judges and participants, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather and celebrate the extraordinary talent displayed during the competition. The event serves as a reminder of the Quran’s profound significance in the lives of Muslims and its role in fostering spiritual growth, knowledge, and harmony within the global community.
