SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

The third edition of the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque Quran Competition celebrates the memorisers of the Holy Quran, highlighting its role in encouraging Quran memorisation and promoting moral and human values among participants of different age groups and nationalities across the UAE.

During a recent ceremony, organised by the Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House, winners of the third edition of the competition were honoured.A total of 50 winners, in addition to participating contestants, were recognised during the ceremony, which was held in collaboration with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf).

The competition was held over two weeks at the Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque in the Abrahamic Family House, from February 16 to 26, under the supervision of the Awqaf.

A total of 150 participants competed across five Quran memorisation categories: full memorisation of the Holy Quran, memorisation of 20 Juz', memorisation of 10 Juz', memorisation of 5 Juz', and memorisation of Juz' Amma.

The Abrahamic Family House continues to support dialogue, coexistence, and mutual understanding through initiatives that reinforce the UAE's position as a model for tolerance and cultural harmony.

'A Great Gathering'

On the sidelines of the event, Mubarak Al Hosani, Director of the Office of the Emirates International Holy Quran Award, described the event in a statement to Aletihad as "a great gathering celebrating the memorisers of the Holy Quran".

He noted that the UAE has long prioritised supporting the Holy Quran memorisation and honouring its memorisers as part of a continued national approach dating back to the Holy Quran memorisation initiatives launched in 1974 by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Al Hosani added that this year's edition achieved positive results while future plans focus on expanding Quran memorisation programmes and developing curricula covering memorisation, Tajweed, recitation, interpretation, and Islamic sciences.

Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Mahmoud Nagah, Imam of Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, said the third edition of the Quran competition reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the connection between younger generations and the Holy Quran.

Dr Nagah noted this year's edition witnessed "strong competition" and has now become widely recognised across the UAE.

"Our aspiration is for the competition to move from the local level to the international and global level," he added.

'Reward and Blessings'

Also speaking to Aletihad, several winners of the competition highlighted the role of such competitions in encouraging memorisation, strengthening values, and motivating younger generations to remain connected to the Holy Quran.

Laila Mohammed Zuhair Al Basha, winner of first place in the female category for full Quran memorisation, described the achievement as "an indescribable happiness" and said memorising the Quran transformed her behaviour and outlook on life.

She stressed that "acting upon the teachings and values of the Quran is just as important as memorising it", while expressing her hope to one day teach the Quran to others.

In the same category, seventh grade student Mubarakah Mohammed Jonaid Noor, who won second place, said she felt happy with the achievement and encouraged students to memorise the Quran and participate in such competitions "for reward and blessings."

Meanwhile, 10th-grade student Amina Naqeeb Ahmed, who placed fifth in the full Quran memorisation category, said she felt proud of her achievement and stressed the path of the Quran remains "a path of goodness in this life and the hereafter."

Fifth grade student Khalfan Ali Hassan Haider Jelani, who won fourth place in the Juz' Amma category, said he felt grateful for memorising the Quran and encouraged students to keep trying even if they do not win immediately.

"If someone participates and does not win, they should try again," he said.

His mother, Wafa Al Marri, highlighted the role of Quran competitions in teaching children values and ethics, noting that "the Quran teaches them how to deal with people and strengthens religious values."

She added that teaching children the Quran remains "an essential part of our traditions and identity."