Awqaf Honors Winners of Kuwait Grand Qur’an Competition – 27th Edition

On Sunday evening, the General Secretariat of Awqaf held the closing ceremony honoring winners of the 27th Kuwait Grand Qur’an Competition for Memorization and Recitation, under the slogan “The Best Provision.” The event took place at the Kuwait National Museum, attended by officials and community members.

Winners and Awards

The results saw the Al-Maher Association for the Qur’an and Its Sciences win the General Excellence Shield. The Social Reform Society received the Golden Shield, the Bayader Al-Salam Women’s Association earned the Silver Shield, while the Al-Mumtazeen Foundation for Qur’an and Sharia Sciences was awarded the Bronze Shield.

Qur’an as a Foundation for Nations

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Chairman of the Awqaf Council, Dr. Mohammed Al-Wasmi, emphasized that honoring Qur’an memorizers is a celebration of “the greatest project upon which nations are built.” He noted that the ceremony coincides with Kuwait’s national celebrations and the approach of Ramadan, symbolizing that a nation honoring its history and its Qur’an memorizers is one that knows its roots and builds its future.

He stressed that the competition is not merely an academic contest but a national, faith-based project and a strategic investment in the Kuwaiti people. It strengthens values of moderation, reinforces religious identity and national loyalty, and honors discipline, patience, and excellence—embodying the Qur’an’s guidance in behavior and responsibility.

The Minister expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his patronage and continuous support of endowment and Qur’an initiatives, and praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of Awqaf, the Qur’an Endowment Fund, judges, parents, and all contributors to the success of this Qur’anic event.

Enduring Legacy of the Competition

Acting Secretary-General of Awqaf, Engineer Janan Al-Zamel, highlighted that the competition, launched in 1996 under the patronage of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, has continued to thrive under successive leaders. She affirmed that its ongoing success reflects the deep-rooted commitment of Kuwait’s leadership to serving the Qur’an.

She described the competition as a national and spiritual celebration embodying Kuwait’s identity and the authenticity of its people, while showcasing Awqaf’s vision of leadership and excellence. The competition also positions endowment as a vital partner in building individuals and developing society.

Numbers Reflect Success

The 27th edition witnessed wide participation, with 2,900 contestants (1,330 males and 1,570 females) representing 54 governmental and civil institutions. A total of 2,383 participants reached the final stage, with an attendance rate of 82.17%, marking a 2.41% increase from last year.

In total, 280 winners were crowned (147 males and 133 females). Among them were 175 senior participants, the oldest aged 82, and the youngest winner a 4-year-old child. The results also included 22 winners from special needs categories, 21 from correctional and care institutions, 34 who achieved perfect scores, and 101 who secured first place, with 31 ties due to intense competition.

A National Qur’anic Tradition

General Coordinator of the competition, Maareb Al-Yaquob, affirmed that serving the Qur’an is a great honor and that Kuwait is blessed with this noble distinction. He noted the flourishing of Qur’an centers and the strong participation of men and women in memorization, recitation, and reflection, making the competition a proud national tradition.

He added that the continuous Amir’s patronage since the competition’s inception is a source of pride, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting the Qur’an and its people through the Qur’an Endowment Fund, which continues to nurture memorizers and encourage participation in Qur’an circles.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations to winners, participants, and their families, reaffirming that the Kuwait Grand Qur’an Competition has become a shining beacon in Kuwait’s Qur’anic journey, and a renewed message that “The Best Provision” is the Qur’an—memorized, practiced, and guiding.