# Saudi Qur'an and Sunnah Competition to Host 160 Contestants in Mauritania The second edition of the international Islamic competition gathers participants from sixteen African nations. - **Source:** [Saudi Gazette](https://saudigazette.com.sa) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/30de525b-c2b4-4dd0-a9e8-f3e381e37bfe ## International Quranic Competition Launch The second edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Competition for Memorization of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah is scheduled for Nouakchott, Mauritania. Running from November 15 to 19, 2026, the event will host 160 contestants representing 16 different countries from across the West African region. ## Institutional Partnership and Oversight This initiative is organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in direct cooperation with Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education. The competition operates under the official approval of King Salman, reflecting the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to fostering religious education and scholarly collaboration with international partners. ## Strategic Religious Mission Goals Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh stated that serving the Qur’an and Sunnah remains a core priority of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic mission. Beyond simple memorization, the program aims to nurture younger generations on sound scholarly foundations, correct religious beliefs, and promote the values of moderation and balance globally. ## Strengthening Bilateral Islamic Ties The event highlights the longstanding diplomatic and religious ties between Saudi Arabia and Mauritania. Minister Al Al-Sheikh specifically praised the cooperation provided by the Mauritanian government, noting that their coordination was instrumental in the success of the first edition and remains vital for the execution of this second iteration. ## Educational Outreach and Impact Saudi Arabia continues to support various educational programs and Islamic outreach initiatives both domestically and internationally. These efforts are designed to strengthen the connection between Muslims and their religious texts. By encouraging younger generations to apply these teachings, the Kingdom seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Islamic principles worldwide. ## Leadership Support for Initiatives Minister Al Al-Sheikh expressed formal gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their consistent support of projects dedicated to preserving and teaching the Qur’an and Sunnah. This high-level backing ensures the continuity of such international competitions, which serve as a platform for religious and cultural exchange. ## Context of Regional Cooperation The selection of Mauritania as the host nation underscores the collaborative nature of Saudi Arabia’s religious outreach in West Africa. Such partnerships facilitate the sharing of scholarly resources and educational methodologies between the two nations, ultimately aiming to standardize the promotion of religious awareness among diverse Muslim communities across the continent. ## Long-term Cultural Significance As the competition prepares for its November 2026 start, it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Saudi religious diplomacy. By focusing on youth engagement and scholarly foundations, the event seeks to leave a lasting impact on the religious landscape of the 16 participating West African nations involved. ## Sources covering this story - https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/666197/saudi-arabia/contestants-from-16-west-african-countries-to-compete-in-saudi-organized-quran-and-sunnah-competition — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._