On Tuesday in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia launched the first King Salman Competition for Memorizing the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet. Organized by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs in collaboration with Mauritania's Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, this event runs from October 15 to 19 and brings together participants from across West Africa.

There are 136 contenders overall from 16 West African nations vying for a large SR1,218,000 ($324,000). The Saudi Press Agency reports that a panel of ten experts judges the tournament; contestants will go through preliminary stages till October 17; the final event is set for October 19.

Sidi Yahya Ould Chekhna Ould Lemrabet, Mauritania's Minister of Islamic Affairs, thanked Saudi Arabia much for setting up the competition in Mauritania. Reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to advancing Islamic values and teachings, he underlined Saudi Arabia's continuous support of the Qur'an and Sunnah. Participants in the event are considered as having a great chance to interact with the Qur'an and Sunnah by memorization, comprehension, and contemplation.

Apart from the competitiveness, Abdulaziz Al-Raqqabi, the Saudi Ambassador to Mauritania, opened the Jusoor Exhibition on Sunday. Running alongside the tournament, this exhibition comprises more than 12 interactive parts highlighting many facets of Saudi Arabian culture, history, and religious contributions. These areas feature exhibitions on the Qur'an, photography, Saudi clothing, the Two Holy Mosques, Arabic calligraphy, technology, hospitality, and young people's activities.

A huge screen highlighting Saudi Arabia's efforts in serving Islam and Muslims globally is one of the main attractions of the exhibition. It highlights the Kingdom's cultural, scientific, Shariah, and linguistic accomplishments as well as its programs to assist the Qur'an, Sunnah, and Islamic holy sites. The show is meant to deepen relations between Saudi Arabia and Africa by giving African countries access to gain from Saudi Arabia's field of Islamic affairs offerings. In keeping with the Kingdom's more general attempts to dissemin peaceful Islamic principles, it also supports Saudi Arabia's message of moderation and the rejection of extremism.

Minister Lemrabott underlined that the Mauritanian people are delighted to host this tournament since it speaks to their religious and cultural identity. He promised complete assistance to guarantee the success of this first event and voiced hope for continuous expansion in next years. He remarked that the competition provides a great forum for motivating Muslim young people to interact closely with the Qur'an, therefore fostering not only memorization but also understanding and contemplation.

The competition also encourages friendly rivalry among participants, therefore giving them a chance to highlight their Qur'anic memory and reciting abilities. Lemrabott underlined how crucial this rivalry is for motivating young Muslims to embrace Islamic values and study the lessons of Prophet Muhammad. He further noted that the incentives given participants a strong motivation to improve in their Qur'anic study.

Lemrabott gave the Mauritanian competitors high marks for their commitment to getting ready for the tournament. Having shown their memorizing and recitation techniques on a worldwide scene, he expressed hope they would perform brilliantly. He also thanked King Salman for his kind sponsorship of the event and recognized the support of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, who has long pushed initiatives for Qur'anic memorizing and recitation in Mauritania.

The minister underlined even more the importance of the Jusoor Exhibition in teaching Mauritanians about Saudi Arabia's history, culture, and initiatives to propagate the Qur'anic and Sunnah values. He pointed out that the show offers a special chance for guests to learn more about the Kingdom's long-standing contributions to Islamic knowledge and its defense of Islamic customs.