Makkah | August 12, 2025

A number of participants in the 45th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Quran expressed their pride at reaching the finals, held in a majestic spiritual atmosphere inside the Grand Mosque next to the Kaaba, considering the moment the pinnacle of honor and the greatest distinction in their journey with the Holy Quran.

Participants affirmed that the competition, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, represents a global platform bringing together elite Quran memorizers from across continents, in a spiritual contest that transcends language and cultural boundaries.

Contestant Mohammed Al-Hassan from Canada noted that the adoption of an advanced electronic judging system reflects the competition’s global stature and modern organization, praising the accuracy and professionalism of the judging process and thanking the Ministry for providing a comprehensive competitive environment.

Contestant Mohammed Jawa from Guinea-Bissau expressed his great joy, saying: "I am living the most beautiful moments of my life beside the Sacred House, in the company of my brothers from every corner of the earth," affirming that reaching this stage is a badge of honor, especially since the competition bears the name of founder King Abdulaziz — may he rest in peace — and is held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Contestant Abdulrahman Abdulmoneim from Bosnia and Herzegovina praised the facilities and services provided by the Ministry, which made the atmosphere of the finals perfectly suited to the event’s spiritual significance, noting that the electronic judging system allowed contestants to select sample questions directly via the electronic screen, adding transparency and smoothness to the competition proceedings.

This year’s competition hosts 179 contestants from 128 countries, in a spiritual scene embodying the unity of the Muslim nation around the Holy Quran and affirming the Kingdom’s leadership in supporting Quran memorizers and serving the Holy Quran locally and globally.