International Qur'an Competitions in Hifz, Recitation and Correct Reading of the Noble Qur'an in the Balkan Countries

Islamic Religious Community of the Republic of North Macedonia

International Qur'an Competitions in Hifz, Recitation and Correct Reading of the Noble Qur'an in the Balkan Countries

Islamic Religious Community of the Republic of North Macedonia

Skopje | July 25–30, 2026 (Safar 11–16, 1448 AH)

In cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Albania

1. General Information

Slogan

“Serving the Book of Allah is our goal.”

Vision

Exalting and understanding the significance of the Book of Allah in the lives of Muslims, and highlighting the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the Qur'an and publishing the Mus'haf.

Mission

Encouraging Muslims to recite and memorize the Noble Qur'an, and strengthening their connection to the Revelation of Allah.

Executive Body Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Albania in cooperation with the Islamic Religious Community in North Macedonia
Approved Qira'at According to the Riwayah of Hafs 'an 'Asim

2. Target Categories

The competition is intended for the following categories:

  • Male and female students of Arabic schools
  • Male and female students of institutes and schools for memorization of the Noble Qur'an
  • Male and female students of madrasas and mektebs
  • Male and female students of public and private schools
  • All members of society who meet the requirements

Approved Qira'at: according to the Riwayah of Hafs 'an 'Asim

3. Competition Categories

The competition consists of five categories:

1.
First Category Memorization of the entire Qur'an
Ages 12 to 30
2.
Second Category Memorization of 10 Juz'
Ages 12 to 30
3.
Third Category Memorization of 5 Juz'
Ages 12 to 30
4.
Fourth Category Memorization of 2 Juz'
Ages 12 to 30
5.
Fifth Category Recitation (Tilawat) of 5 consecutive Juz' directly from the Mus'haf before the committee
Ages 9 to 12

4. General Requirements for Participation

  • Citizenship: The contestant must be a citizen of one of the 16 participating Balkan countries.
  • Single Category: The contestant may participate in only one (sub)category.
  • Age Verification: The contestant's age must be verified through an official/recognized authority in the country (birth certificate / official document).
  • First Category: The contestant in the first category must not have previously participated in international competitions.

5. Venue, Dates and Procedure

Opening Ceremony

Saturday, Safar 11, 1448 AH / July 25, 2026 (DoubleTree by Hilton, Skopje)

Closing Ceremony

Wednesday, Safar 15, 1448 AH / July 29, 2026 (DoubleTree by Hilton, Skopje)

Procedure and Steps for Conducting the Competition:

  • Announcement of the competition is made through media platforms and channels of Islamic communities in the Balkans.
  • The link and platform are published by the Office of the Attaché for Religious Affairs in Sarajevo in cooperation with Islamic communities.
  • Registration is done via the published Google link (name, date of birth with attached birth certificate/document image, phone, address, country/region, and category).
  • Preliminary / qualification competitions take place in the capital of each country (or a location determined by the competent authority).
  • Top 5 contestants from each category and country are selected for the finals in Skopje (totaling around 200 contestants).
  • Final competitions are held in Skopje at a location designated by the committee.
  • Winners are announced immediately upon conclusion of the competition.
  • The grand closing ceremony will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in the Diamond Hall of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Skopje.

6. Judging Committee and Scoring

  • Scoring Breakdown (Total 100 Points)
  • 80 points: 5 questions from different sections of the specified category
  • 10 points: Proper pronunciation and articulation points of letters (Makharij al-Huroof)
  • 10 points: Overall presentation, delivery, and beautiful recitation
Committee Composition (5 members + 1 reserve):
🇸🇦 2 members from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 🇽🇰 1 member from Kosovo 🇷🇸 1 member from Serbia 🇧🇦 1 member from Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇲🇰 1 member from North Macedonia (reserve)

7. Prizes for Male and Female Winners

€100,000
Total Prize Fund
Funds are equally divided between both categories:

€50,000 for male contestants   |   €50,000 for female contestants

Breakdown of Prizes by Category (for Men and Women)

Category Memorization Scope 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
First Memorization of full Qur'an €8,000 €6,000 €4,000
Second Memorization of 10 Juz' €6,000 €4,000 €3,000
Third Memorization of 5 Juz' €4,000 €3,000 €2,000
Fourth Memorization of 2 Juz' €3,000 €2,000 €1,000
Fifth Recitation of 5 Juz' €2,000 €1,000 €1,000

8. Solemn Closing Ceremony and Protocol

Ceremony Chairs: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Albania and Non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia, and the President of the Islamic Religious Community of North Macedonia
Guests attending the solemn ceremony (approx. 200 guests and participants): Senior state dignitaries, Heads of Islamic Communities of Balkan countries, Muftis, Faculty Deans, the Director of the Madrasa, and reciters (Qaris) of the Noble Qur'an

Closing Ceremony Agenda

  • 1. Introduction and opening
  • 2. Recitation: 1st place winner in the first category (full Qur'an memorization)
  • 3. Speech by the Chair (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
  • 4. Speech by the President of the Islamic Religious Community of the Republic of North Macedonia (Reisu-l-Ulama, H. Hfz. Shaqir ef. Fetai)
  • 5. Video presentation about the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an
  • 6. Video presentation showcasing competition activities
  • 7. Presentation of gifts and certificates of appreciation
  • 8. Awarding of prizes to male and female winners
  • 9. Closing remarks and vote of thanks by the Religious Attaché for the Balkans

9. How the Competition Works

  • QR Code: By scanning the QR code, you can find out everything related to the Qur'an Competitions.
  • Performance on Stage: Candidates will perform by stepping onto the stage, facing the committee members who will pose the questions.
  • Questions: Questions will immediately appear on screen, on the tablet placed in front of the candidate.
  • Mistakes: In case of any mistake during recitation, the candidate will be notified immediately.
  • On-Screen Display: The screen will show the candidate's details, a live broadcast feed, as well as the Qur'anic verses about which they will be questioned.
  • Stage Protocol: A candidate may not step onto the stage before being called by name, nor leave the stage before being told that the committee has finished with the questions.

10. Schedule & Practical Guidelines

Time frame for the competition:

July 26–28, 2026 (Sunday – Tuesday)
  • 9:00–13:00 First competition session
  • 13:00–16:00 Dhuhr prayer and break
  • 16:00–20:00 Second competition session
  • 20:00–22:00 Dinner
July 29, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • 9:00–13:00 Final competition session
  • 14:00–16:00 Solemn closing ceremony and announcement of winners
  • Meals: Food for contestants will be served in the hall on floor -1.
  • Prayers: Will be held in the halls on floor -1, separated for women and men.
  • Accommodation: Additional services beyond hotel accommodation are not included and must be arranged and paid for by the contestants and their companions themselves.

Thank You for Your Attention

Serving the Book of Allah Almighty is our goal.

Organizing Committee of the International Qur'an Competitions
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