Doha, Qatar – Registration is now open for the 62nd Annual School Qur’an Memorization Competition, organized by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The competition, under the patronage of HE Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem, aims to strengthen the connection between Qatari youth and the Holy Qur’an through recitation and memorization. Registration began on January 25th and will continue until February 5th.
The annual event, established in 1961, is a longstanding tradition in Qatar, providing a platform for students across various educational levels to demonstrate their commitment to Islamic teachings. According to a statement from the Ministry of Awqaf, the competition seeks to foster spiritual values and moral development within the younger generation.
The Significance of Qur’an Memorization in Qatar
The Qur’an Memorization Competition is considered one of the most prestigious religious events in Qatar, reflecting the nation’s dedication to preserving and promoting Islamic heritage. It’s a key component of Qatar’s broader efforts to integrate Islamic values into education and community life. The competition has evolved over the decades, incorporating modern technologies to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the judging process, as noted by Jassim bin Abdullah Al Ali, Director of the Department of Da’wah and Religious Guidance at Awqaf.
Competition Structure and Eligibility
The competition is open to students of all nationalities attending public, private, and international schools in Qatar, spanning kindergarten through secondary levels. Participants will compete at two levels. The first level is designed for students who have memorized selected portions of the Qur’an, tailored to their grade level. The second level caters to advanced memorizers who have committed seven or more consecutive sections (ajza’) to memory, potentially encompassing the entire Holy Book.
The Ministry of Awqaf has allocated financial prizes and certificates of appreciation for all successful participants. Special awards will be presented to first-place winners in each category. This recognition aims to motivate students to continue their studies of the Qur’an and deepen their understanding of Islamic principles. The competition also aims to identify and nurture promising young talents in the field of Qur’anic studies.
Registration for the competition is being conducted entirely online through a dedicated portal on the Ministry’s official website. This electronic process is intended to streamline the registration procedure and ensure accessibility for all eligible students. The Ministry encourages parents to register their children directly to avoid missing the registration deadline.
Additionally, the competition promotes Islamic values and strengthens national identity by instilling noble moral principles and fostering a sense of belonging among students. This is achieved through engagement with the core texts of Islamic guidance – the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The initiative aligns with Qatar’s national vision to cultivate a society grounded in ethical values and cultural preservation.
Official testing and judging are scheduled to commence on April 12th. The Department of Da’wah and Religious Guidance emphasized the importance of parental and school administrative support in encouraging student participation. This support is seen as crucial in building a generation deeply rooted in Qur’anic teachings and committed to serving their community and nation.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Awqaf will focus on finalizing the participant list and preparing for the judging phase. The results of the competition are expected to be announced in the coming months. Observers will be watching to see how the integration of technology impacts the judging process and whether participation rates continue to increase, reflecting the growing interest in Islamic education within Qatar’s educational system. Further details regarding the competition, including the registration portal, can be found on the Ministry of Awqaf’s official website. The competition also supports the broader goals of Qatar’s education system.