Endowments Authority Launches 29th Kuwait Grand Quran Memorization and Recitation Competition Under High Patronage

Layla Al-Shafie: Acting Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Awqaf, Eng. Nasser Ahmed Al-Khuder, announced the launch of the 29th edition of the Kuwait Grand Competition for Memorization and Recitation of the Holy Quran for the year 2026, under the gracious patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad.

Speaking at a press conference held on this occasion, Al-Khuder said that the competition holds a cherished place in the Secretariat’s mission, reflecting the connection between the objectives of donors and the needs of society, and providing opportunities to encourage Kuwaitis to maintain a close relationship with the Holy Quran. He emphasized that reaching the 29th edition of the competition reflects the sustained efforts made over its previous editions, and stressed the importance of continuing work that preserves its status and value through sincerity of purpose, attention to detail, and leveraging expertise and feedback to enhance performance.

Al-Khuder clarified that the General Secretariat of Awqaf’s focus on the Quran and its sciences stems from the core of its waqf mission. He pointed to the role played by the Waqf Fund for the Holy Quran and its sciences in translating this care into beneficial areas that serve society. He noted that the competition embodies the convergence of the impact of waqf with the efforts of Quran memorizers, as well as cooperation between institutions and individuals in providing opportunities for learning and competition in mastery. He expressed his hope for broad participation that reflects the Kuwaiti people’s dedication to the Book of God.

Al-Khudhair called on the media to continue their role in informing the public about the competition’s conditions, schedule, and categories, and to rely on official sources from the Secretariat when disseminating information. He encouraged families to support their children in revision and preparation, emphasizing that the ultimate goal transcends winning, focusing instead on learning and strengthening the connection with the Holy Quran.

Al-Khudhair extended his highest expressions of gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir for his patronage and care for memorizers of the Book of Allah. He also commended the support of the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Chairman of the Awqaf Affairs Council, praising the efforts of the waqf donors, the Standing and Preparatory Committees, all participating entities, and those overseeing the competition.

For her part, Hanan Youssef, Acting Deputy Secretary-General of the Awqaf General Secretariat for Resource Development and Waqf Funds, affirmed that the Kuwait Grand Quran Memorization and Tajweed Competition, in its 29th edition, continues its mission to serve the Book of Allah, reinforce its status in the hearts of Kuwaiti society members, and encourage various age groups to memorize, recite, and master the Tajweed of the Holy Quran.

She stated that care for the Holy Quran is not limited to memorization and recitation, but extends to its impact on human behavior, ethics, and life, as it is a book of guidance and a framework for building righteous individuals and cohesive societies. She added that the Awqaf General Secretariat is committed to continuing support for initiatives and projects that serve the Book of Allah, promote its culture, and enhance its presence in society, in line with its mission to serve waqf and develop its various fields. She emphasized that investing in the Holy Quran and its people is an investment in humanity and society, noting that reaching the 29th edition is the result of continuous efforts and collaboration among various entities, committees, judges, and families. She reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to developing the competition and enhancing its social impact.

She called on Kuwaiti sons and daughters to participate, clarifying that the registration period remains open until October 29.

For his part, Abdulaziz Al-Anzi, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee for the Competition, affirmed that the competition represents a firm spiritual milestone in the ongoing service of the Book of Allah, noting that its 29th edition continues a path initiated 29 years ago under the high patronage of Kuwait’s princes.

Al-Anzi stated that the competition has witnessed notable development since its first edition in 1996, with the number of participating entities increasing from 14 in the inaugural edition to 56 in the current edition, including government and non-government organizations, reflecting the broadening scope of participation and societal interest in the Holy Quran.

He explained that the competition strives to attract various segments of society, from the elderly and kindergarten children to persons with special needs, residents of social care institutions and correctional facilities, and juveniles, in addition to establishing the “Quranic Family Shield” to honor families raised on the Book of Allah.

Al-Anzi pointed out that the current edition includes new tracks, most notably the addition of the 15-juz’ category in the Al-Khair wal-Baraka competition, the completion of categories for correctional institutions up to 30 juz’, and the development of Tajweed questions.