Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh Al-Asheikh confirmed that Prince Salman had been offering the prize money for winners of the competition from his personal account over the last 13 years, which amounted to about SR20 million.

The minister thanked Prince Salman for continuing to provide various types of financial and moral support to emerging young people wanting to memorize the Holy Qur’an and its interpretation.

According to Al-Asheikh, this competition is beneficial and there is no area better to excel in than the Holy Qur'an.

He said all sons and daughters were encouraged to participate in this great competition and earn the blessings of the Almighty Allah.

Al-Asheikh added: “The participants in this contest are the conveyors of the Qur’an. This is the greatest competition because it carries the word of God in our chests and enables us to be protectors of the Qur’an.”

Riyadh Gov. Prince Sattam said: “This competition, which enters its 14th year, is one of the most important competitions that reflects the care taken by Prince Salman toward the Holy Qur'an and the families of boys and girls who memorize it, as they contributed to encouraging many of the contestants.”

Deputy Riyadh Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Saad said: “Prince Salman’s award for the recitation of the Qur’an represents clearly the great effort in pushing young people and schools to focus on teaching verses from the holy book.”

Prince Muqrin, chair of the General Intelligence, cited the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The best amongst you are those who learn the Qur’an and teaches it.”

“There are no doubts about the virtue of reading the Qur’an and learning it. It is the word of the Almighty Allah. It is no wonder Prince Salman is always a sponsor and supporter of this great book through this blessed competition, which has made the Qur'an a great source for the good of the country and people,” he added.

Prince Mansour bin Nasser, adviser to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, said: “Exalt Allah by reading the Qur’an and following what is in it; the spread of Qur’anic schools in Saudi Arabia and the world is a blessing from God.”