From the era of the Kingdom’s founder and first ruler, His Excellency King Abdul Aziz Al Saud, to the present reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Excellency King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Al Saud family has consistently stood as the foremost guardian of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah.
They have placed the highest importance on teaching the principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah, safeguarding them from any harm, and ensuring their preservation for future generations. The Kingdom, under their leadership, has printed millions of copies of the Holy Qur’an, distributing them to Muslim households across the globe, and providing translated editions in various languages for non-Muslims.
Moreover, the Al Saud rulers have organized both national and international Qur’an competitions, held annually in the holy city of Makkah as well as in other countries, inspiring devotion and scholarship worldwide. Throughout history, the Al Saud lineage has been recognized as exemplary rulers who have worked tirelessly to spread the Qur’an and Sunnah globally, while giving them the utmost reverence and importance.
Accordingly, the annual King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Recitation Competition, held in the holy city of Makkah, takes place under the direct patronage of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and under the supervision and leadership of the Honourable Abdul Latif bin Abdul Aziz Al Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia.
This year, participants from 128 countries will gather in Makkah for the prestigious event, which will run for four days starting from the 9th of this month. Saudi Arabia has made comprehensive arrangements to honor the winners with valuable prizes, allocating a total of 350 million Sri Lankan rupees for awards. Notably, the champion of the competition will receive a grand prize of 40 million rupees.
This year’s edition marks the 45th International Qur’an Competition held in honout of King Abdulaziz, a significant milestone in celebrating and promoting the recitation of the Holy Qur’an worldwide.
The Holy Qur’an is the divine scripture revealed by Allah alone to guide human society on the path of righteousness. Both Allah and His Messenger affirm that the Qur’an contains guidance for all who sincerely seek it. This sacred book will continue to lead humanity until the end of time, and Allah has made it a living miracle for all generations.
In recognition of this, the government of Saudi Arabia has always accorded the highest dignity and honour to the Qur’an and to those who have memorized it. The Kingdom remains steadfast in its mission to make the world aware of the greatness of the Qur’an, undertaking remarkable efforts both within and beyond its borders.
As part of these efforts, Qur’an memorization competitions are regularly organised at local, regional, and international levels. In this spirit, the prestigious International Qur’an Memorization Competition will be held in the holy city of Makkah from the 9th of March.
Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, one of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing friendly nations, the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs successfully organized the National Level Qur’an Memorization Competition twice last year. It is noteworthy that the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Honourable Khalid Hamud Al Qahtani, together with the Indian Regional Islamic Affairs Officer, Ash-Sheikh Badr Al Anasi, facilitated and coordinated the arrangements for the grand prize competition sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
Participants who showcased their memorization skills were awarded valuable prizes totalling more than 15 million Sri Lankan rupees. In a remarkable gesture, the Minister of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia honoured two visually challenged Hafizas and their parents, who secured first and third places in the second competition held in Sri Lanka, with the presentation conducted by the Saudi Ambassador himself.
The government of Saudi Arabia, through its national and international Qur’an memorization competitions, has earned the admiration and respect of people worldwide. The Kingdom offers Hafizs from across the globe the opportunity to participate in these prestigious competitions, visit the holy city of Makkah free of charge, perform the blessed Umrah, and receive valuable prizes upon victory. This initiative has brought immense joy to Muslims everywhere, fulfilling the lifelong dreams of many.
We pray for the success of the competition in the holy city of Makkah and invoke Almighty Allah’s blessings upon the King of Saudi Arabia, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, and the Saudi government for their steadfast commitment to organising this noble event and graciously bearing all its expenses.
M.H. Shaikhuddeen Madani, BA
Director,
Al Hikma Welfare Association
Colombo.
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