32nd int'l Hashemite Quran competition kicks off

AMMAN — The 32nd session of the International Hashemite Competition for the Memorisation and Recitation of the Holy Quran for Men commenced on Thursday at the Islamic Cultural Centre in the King Abdullah I Mosque, welcoming 54 participants from 51 countries.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalayleh reaffirmed Jordan’s enduring commitment to hosting Quranic competitions under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah. He highlighted the King’s continuous support for Quranic institutions, the Ministry of Awqaf, and individuals dedicated to memorising the Holy Quran.

Khalayleh noted that this year’s competition coincides with the last ten days of Ramadan, a sacred period in which the Quran was revealed. 

He also underscored Jordan’s pioneering role in launching this globally recognised event, which has produced many distinguished Quran memorisers. Students from the ministry’s Quranic centres have consistently achieved top rankings in international competitions, he added.

To further encourage Quran memorisation, the ministry recently introduced a special certificate awarded to those who complete memorisation as a mark of distinction. Additionally, the ministry currently supports more than 2,200 permanent Quranic centres across the Kingdom.

In a historic initiative, the ministry is set to print a version of the Holy Quran using its own printing presses for the first time, reprinting the Al Al Bayt edition, Khalayleh said.