On September 16, 2024, the South African National Quran Council held the closing ceremony for the 14th National Quran Memorization Competition at Nurul Islam Masjid in Lenasia, Gauteng province. The ceremony was attended by Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, Yasser bin Rashid Al-Dosari, who is visiting South Africa as part of a tour organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance. Also present were Muhammad bin Abdul Salam Ashour, the Religious Attaché of the Saudi Embassy in South Africa, and Sheikh Qari Basheer Patel, Head of the South African National Quran Council, among other Islamic leaders.
The competition, which gathered around 400 participants, saw 22 male and 13 female contestants advance to higher levels, where they showcased their memorization of various portions of the Quran, including the full text (30 Juz’), half (15 Juz’), and 5 Juz’. Nine male and seven female contestants were awarded prizes totaling 200,000 Saudi Riyals. In his speech, Al-Dosari highlighted the Quran as the foundational guide for Muslims, emphasizing its role in providing clarity and direction. He praised Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to the Quran and expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for their support.
