RIYADH, 22 April 2007 — Ninety-five Saudis — including men and women, who have either memorized the entire Qur’an or several of its chapters — have arrived in the capital to participate in “The Prince Salman Contest for Memorization of the Holy Qur’an,” which began yesterday.
According to the organizers of the event, 49 men and 46 women are competing this year in the five categories of the contest. Combined cash prizes worth SR1.5 million will be given to the winners.
The aim of the contest is to encourage the youth to memorize the Qur’an, learn its exegesis, practice its teachings and seek to spread awareness of the importance of the Qur’an among Muslims.
The winners will be announced at a major ceremony to be held in Riyadh on Tuesday. Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman will distribute cash prizes and plaques to the winners. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance is providing accommodation to contestants and guardians of female contestants.
The contest obliges contestants to adhere to a certain method of recitation of the Qur’an. Participants of the first category (the recitation of the entire Qur’an) are also required to provide explanations of verses asked by the judging committee in classical Arabic.
The contest for male participants is being held at the Riyadh Palace Hotel and for female participants at the Girls’ Education Department headquarters.
“The winners in this contest will have the honor of representing Saudi Arabia at both regional and international contests such as the King Abdul Aziz International Contest, which is held in Makkah every year,” said Saud ibn Talib, deputy minister of Islamic affairs. “The contest is unique because it allows the participation of the other half of society (women). It is also being followed personally by Prince Salman,” he said.
Ibn Talib added that the cash prizes, which are being awarded from the governor’s personal account, illustrated Prince Salman’s eagerness to encourage young men and women to memorize the Holy Qur’an and reap benefits of this life and the hereafter.
Organizers said that the number of contestants has risen over the past years with many of them coming from distant corners of the Kingdom.
