Minister of Islamic Affairs Inaugurates Final Qualifiers for the 44th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization of the Holy Quran

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and General Supervisor of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Quran Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh launched today the final qualifiers of the 44th competition at the Grand Mosque.
Held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the competition brings together 173 contestants from 123 countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Al Al-Sheikh welcomed the competitors in this great international competition bearing the name of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and said that the ministry honored to hold this event that witnesses honest competition among Muslims and strengthens the attachment of young people to the Holy Quran.
"The ministry has been keen that this competition is at the highest standards, as clear, announced rules have been set for arbitration that guarantee justice and transparency," he said, adding that "this year, a group of arbitrators from among people of knowledge and experience from Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Pakistan were nominated" as jurors.
He also said that the winners will receive prizes totaling SAR4,000,000, and that financial gifts offered to all contestants total SAR1,000,000.
He said that the current competition has seen the highest number of contestants since it was launched, in 1978.
The growing yearly turnout is testimony to the leading position of the Kingdom among world Muslims, and an indicator of its fairness, and prizes given due to the great support and care shown by the wise leadership.
The Minister of Isalnic Affairs prayed that God Almighty bestows His grace and generosity upon the righteous late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and reward him for his care for Islam and Muslims.
He thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for the care they show to the Holy Quran, and to Muslims, and prayed that God Almighty guides the judges and blesses their efforts, and grants success to the contestants and makes accepts their endeavors.
Chairman of the competition jury Dr. Fahd bin Faraj Al-Juhani, delivered a speech in which he praised the care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for the Holy Quran, and the efforts of the minister of Islamic affairs in organizing the competition in a manner that achieves the aspirations and follows the directives of the wise leadership.
He said that the jury for this international competition was selected according to clear standards, and that modern technology will be used in their assessment, as required in the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The jury listened to a number of recitations by participants representing the five divisions of the competition, attended by a large number of participants, delegates, visitors to the Grand Mosque, and officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawa and Guidance, in a pious atmosphere in which the most beautiful voices could be heard reciting the Holy Quran.
The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of officials, contestants and their companions, and visitors to the Grand Mosque, including Umrah performers and worshipers.