RIYADH — The second edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for Memorization of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah for West African Countries will take place in Nouakchott, Mauritania, from November 15 to 19, 2026, bringing together 160 contestants from 16 countries. Held with the approval of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the competition is organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in cooperation with Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh emphasized that serving the Qur’an and Sunnah has been a priority of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic mission since its founding. He noted that the Kingdom continues to support Qur’anic competitions, educational programs and Islamic outreach initiatives both domestically and internationally, strengthening Muslims’ connection to the Qur’an and Sunnah while promoting moderation and balance. The minister stressed that these initiatives extend beyond memorization, aiming to strengthen religious awareness, nurture Muslims on sound scholarly foundations and correct religious beliefs, and encourage younger generations to embrace and apply the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Al Al-Sheikh expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of initiatives dedicated to preserving, teaching and spreading the Qur’an and Sunnah worldwide. He also thanked Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education for its cooperation and efforts that contributed to the success of the competition’s first edition, as well as its continued coordination in hosting the second. The minister praised the longstanding ties between Saudi Arabia and Mauritania and their continued cooperation in Islamic education and religious outreach, highlighting their shared commitment to preserving and promoting the Qur’an and Sunnah among younger generations.RIYADH — The second edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for Memorization of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah for West African Countries will take place in Nouakchott, Mauritania, from November 15 to 19, 2026, bringing together 160 contestants from 16 countries. Held with the approval of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the competition is organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in cooperation with Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh emphasized that serving the Qur’an and Sunnah has been a priority of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic mission since its founding. He noted that the Kingdom continues to support Qur’anic competitions, educational programs and Islamic outreach initiatives both domestically and internationally, strengthening Muslims’ connection to the Qur’an and Sunnah while promoting moderation and balance. The minister stressed that these initiatives extend beyond memorization, aiming to strengthen religious awareness, nurture Muslims on sound scholarly foundations and correct religious beliefs, and encourage younger generations to embrace and apply the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Al Al-Sheikh expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of initiatives dedicated to preserving, teaching and spreading the Qur’an and Sunnah worldwide. He also thanked Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education for its cooperation and efforts that contributed to the success of the competition’s first edition, as well as its continued coordination in hosting the second. The minister praised the longstanding ties between Saudi Arabia and Mauritania and their continued cooperation in Islamic education and religious outreach, highlighting their shared commitment to preserving and promoting the Qur’an and Sunnah among younger generations.
