Makkah, Saudi Arabia — Somalia is among 179 contestants from 128 countries participating in the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran, which commenced on Saturday at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the event has drawn competitors from across the Muslim world and beyond, showcasing exceptional talent and devotion. So far, 49 participants have presented their recitations before the judging panel, filling the sacred venue with a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The competition features five categories, designed to test memorization, precise recitation, and understanding of Quranic interpretation. Contestants are competing for a total prize pool of SAR 4 million (over USD 1 million), making it one of the most rewarding and influential Quranic competitions globally.
Saudi authorities emphasized that the gathering not only celebrates excellence in Quranic scholarship but also fosters unity among Muslim communities worldwide. The event will continue in the coming days, with participants advancing through rigorous rounds until the winners are announced.