Some 200 participants from Qatar competed in the new reverts category at the Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad bin Thani Noble Qur’an Competition.

The 11th edition of the Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad bin Thani Noble Qur’an Competition, organised by Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), has awarded six participants in the New Reverts category.

Around 200 participants, mostly African and Asian residents of Qatar, competed in the Quran competition, with both male and female contestants taking part.

The New Reverts category was introduced in collaboration with the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center in Doha, which focuses on teaching Arabic to non-native speakers and providing guidance on religious matters for new reverts to Islam.

The ceremony, held at the center, began with a Quranic recitation by one of the new reverts.

The New Reverts category consisted of three levels: the first level covered Surah Al-Fatiha and short chapters of the Qur’an up to Surah Al-Qari’ah; the second level included Surah Al-Fatiha and half of Juz Amma, up to Surah Al-A’la; and the third level featured Surah Al-Fatiha and the entire Juz Amma.

Sixteen judging panels oversaw the participants, with eight panels evaluating the men’s tests and eight panels judging the women’s tests.

Judges focused primarily on the memorisation of the Quran, assisting participants who are not fluent in Arabic and ensuring adherence to the basic rules of Quranic recitation.

All participants were tested on four questions, including one on the memorisation and mastery of Surah Al-Fatiha, the first chapter of the Quran.

New Muslims also showcased their dedication to memorising the Quran through video presentations, expressing their gratitude to Awqaf and the centre.

Malallah Abdulrahman Al Jaber, chairperson of the organising committee, stated that the category is part of Qatar’s efforts to strengthen the faith of new reverts, emphasise the importance of integrating them into the community, and reinforce Quranic education.

The competition concluded with certificates and rewards presented to all participants, with cash prizes awarded to Muslim reverts based on their memorisation, performance, and recitation across the three levels.

The New Reverts category, introduced in 2013, is open to those who have reverted to Islam within the past three years. This year’s competition saw an increase in participants.