RIYADH: Saudi Arabia inaugurated the first King Salman Competition for Memorizing the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet on Tuesday in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in cooperation with Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, the event runs from Oct. 15-19.
A total of 136 contestants from 16 West African nations are competing, judged by a panel of 10 experts. The prize pool is SR1,218,000 ($324,000).
Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sidi Yahya Ould Cheikhna Ould Lemrabet expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the competition in Mauritania, reflecting the country’s care for the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The competition’s preliminary rounds run until Oct. 17, with the final ceremony on Oct. 19, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Alongside the competition, Saudi Ambassador to Mauritania Abdulaziz Al-Raqqabi inaugurated the Jusoor Exhibition on Sunday.
The exhibition features more than 12 interactive sections, including areas focused on the Qur’an, photography, Saudi attire, the Two Holy Mosques, Arabic calligraphy, technology, hospitality, and children’s activities.
A large screen showcases Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims globally. The sections highlight the Kingdom’s cultural, scientific, Shariah and linguistic contributions, as well as its initiatives in supporting the Qur’an, Sunnah, and holy sites.
The exhibition aims to strengthen ties between Africa and Saudi Arabia, allowing African nations to benefit from the services of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. It also promotes the Kingdom’s message of moderation and rejection of extremism.
“We in Mauritania are proud of this choice, which reflects our identity,” Lemrabott said, pledging full efforts to ensure the competition’s success and its future growth.
The competition encourages Muslim youth to engage with the Qur’an through memorization, understanding and reflection. It also promotes healthy competition among participants and underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to teaching the Qur’an and spreading the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The Mauritanian minister highlighted the competition’s positive impact on participants, allowing them to compete honorably in Qur’an memorization and recitation, with the prizes serving as a valuable incentive.
He said that Mauritanian contestants has prepared diligently for the competition, expecting them to impress others with their Qur’anic memorization and recitation skills.
Lemrabott expressed gratitude to King Salman for sponsoring the competition and thanked President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani for his support of Qur’an memorization and recitation.
The minister emphasized the important role of the Jusoor Exhibition in offering visitors insights into Saudi Arabia’s history and its efforts in preserving the Qur’an and Sunnah.
“This exhibition is a great opportunity to educate the Mauritanian people about this history,” he said.
