The 20th edition of the international competition for Quran memorization, recitation, and exegesis officially commenced on Monday in Rabat, bringing together 83 contestants from 53 countries, according to Atlas Info. Hosted at the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Mourchidines, and Mourchidates, the anniversary event runs through August 12 and features participants representing Arab, Islamic, African, Asian, European, and American nations.
Instituted under Dahir Chérifien n° 1.04.223 issued on February 16, 2005, the annual competition is organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs. The initiative operates under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, Amir Al-Mouminine, reflecting ongoing state oversight dedicated to honoring the Holy Quran, its reciters, and its scholars according to Atlas Info.
The tournament is divided into two primary sections designed to test both mechanical retention and deep scholastic comprehension. Noureddine Maâna, secretary-general of the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs, stated that 41 participants are competing in the full Quran memorization category featuring psalmodies and exegesis, while 42 individuals are contesting the recitation section requiring the complete memorization of five hizb as reported by Atlas Info. Maâna explained that the exegesis component goes beyond simple vocabulary translation, requiring contestants to perform grammatical analysis, demonstrate rhetorical awareness, and explain religious prescriptions.
International Jury and Scholarly Evaluation
A ten-member international jury oversees the evaluation process for the 20th anniversary milestone, which coincides with the celebration of Aïd Al Mawlid Al-Nabawi. According to Taoufik El Abkari, president of the jury and a professor at the Mohammed VI Institute for Readings and Quranic Studies, the panel includes six Moroccan scholars alongside four invited experts representing Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia, and Tanzania as detailed by Atlas Info. Contestants in the first division are tested on their memorization alongside the exegesis of the 9th and 10th juz’, while those in the second division demonstrate continuous memorization across five hizb with precise vocal mastery.
El Yazid Er-Radi, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Oulemas, emphasized the historical role of the nation in supporting scripture studies. « Le Royaume du Maroc est, depuis toujours, connu pour son dévouement au service du Saint Coran », Er-Radi noted, pointing out that this commitment has deepened under the current royal reign according to Atlas Info. He also highlighted a growing enthusiasm among the younger generation for studying and reciting the sacred text.
Institutional Context and Global Reach
The Mohammed VI Institute serves as the operational hub for training religious guides, drawing international scholars and reciters to Rabat for the multi-day event. By gathering competitors from 53 countries, the competition aims to foster international scholarly exchange and recognize exceptional mastery among global reciters, masters of recitation, and specialized oulemas as reported by Atlas Info.
Proceedings at the Rabat institute will continue through the scheduled closing ceremonies on August 12, where competition winners across both divisions will be formally recognized by the organizing committee and attending scholars.
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