Strong Performance by South Asian Contestants at Quran Competition
In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, Muslim contestants from South Asia excelled at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Participants from Bangladesh, Burma, Maldives, and Sri Lanka collectively secured nine prizes in various categories, showcasing their commitment to Quranic studies.
Bangladesh Leads the Way
Bangladesh stood out in the competition, garnering the majority of prize-winning spots among the South Asian participants. The nation secured four awards, including significant placements in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Sheikh Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Hassan achieved third place in the men’s full Quran memorization category, earning 180,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $48,000). Another participant from Bangladesh, Muhammad Zakaria, excelled in the memorization of 15 consecutive juz, receiving 150,000 Saudi riyals (around $40,000). Notably, the Quran is divided into 30 sections, meaning memorizing 15 sections involves a considerable portion of the scripture.
The Bangladeshi women also shone brightly, with Musfira bint Mahmoud taking third place in full Quran memorization with Tajweed, earning 180,000 Saudi riyals ($48,000), while Rabitah bint Ramadan secured third place for memorizing 15 sections and received 130,000 Saudi riyals (around $34,700).
Success from Burma, Maldives, and Sri Lanka
Contestants from Burma also achieved notable success, winning three prizes, including two first-place awards. Thein Gyi Mon triumphed in the women’s 15-section memorization category, earning 150,000 Saudi riyals ($40,000). Thuria Naung claimed first place in the men’s 5-section category, receiving 65,000 Saudi riyals ($17,300). Shine Hteik further contributed to Burma’s recognition with a fifth place in the men’s 15-section category, collecting 110,000 Saudi riyals (around $29,300).
Sri Lanka’s Muhammad Imdad Ilyas Muhammad placed third in the men’s five-section memorization category, earning 55,000 Saudi riyals ($14,700). Additionally, Maldives’ Fatima Shaya Zahir finished fourth in the women’s full Quran memorization with Tajweed category, garnering 170,000 Saudi riyals ($45,300).
Overall, contestants from Bangladesh, Burma, Maldives, and Sri Lanka collectively took home 1.19 million Saudi riyals ($317,300) from the competition.
Competition Overview and Global Significance
The competition took place at Masjid al-Haram, Islam’s holiest mosque, from August 6 to 19, 2023, and involved 334 competitors from 133 countries. Its categories not only focused on memorization but also emphasized the quality of recitation, with Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Affairs Ministry underscoring the importance of accuracy in Quranic recitation.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman bin Mukhtar bin Ahmed Muhammad was awarded the top men’s prize for complete memorization using all seven established Quranic recitation traditions, while Algeria’s Jumana Shraitiyah won the equivalent women’s category. Each of these top performers received 500,000 Saudi riyals ($133,300). The total prize pool of 10.26 million Saudi riyals ($2.74 million) marked a historic record for the event.
Why It Matters
The success of South Asian participants in this prestigious Quran competition highlights the region’s rich tradition in Islamic scholarship and the growing recognition of its scholars. The significant financial rewards serve as an incentive for future generations to engage in memorization and recitation of the Quran, thereby preserving an essential aspect of cultural heritage. Moreover, this international platform fosters unity among Muslim communities worldwide, emphasizing mutual respect and appreciation across borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the King Abdulaziz International Competition?
The King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran is an annual event held in Saudi Arabia that attracts participants from around the world to showcase their skills in Quranic memorization and recitation.
Which countries were represented in the latest competition?
The recent competition featured participants from 133 countries, including notable representation from Bangladesh, Burma, Maldives, and Sri Lanka among South Asian countries.
What awards were given out in the competition?
This year, the competition awarded 10.26 million Saudi riyals ($2.74 million) in total prizes, with the top winners in various categories receiving significant financial rewards based on their performance in memorization and recitation.
What does “Tajweed” mean in the context of Quran recitation?
Tajweed refers to the set of rules governing the correct pronunciation and recitation of the Quran, essential for accurate verbal transmission of the scripture.
