On October 17, 2024, the first day of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Competition for Memorizing the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah took place in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, in collaboration with Mauritania's Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, the event brought together 12 contestants from 11 West African countries to showcase their skills in memorizing sacred texts.
The competition, which spans four categories, aims to encourage the memorization and understanding of the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah among participants. Contestants from Ghana, Mauritania, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Niger, Benin, and Guinea-Bissau were among those competing on the first day, with many demonstrating exceptional dedication and knowledge in their recitations.
A total of 136 participants from 16 West African nations are taking part in this prestigious competition, which offers a total prize pool of SAR 1,218,000. The competition not only fosters a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings but also strengthens cultural and religious ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and West African countries. It stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to promoting Islamic scholarship and religious education across the Muslim world.
