Sharjah Honours Winners of 28th Holy Quran and Sunnah Award

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office, attended on Thursday morning the ceremony honouring the winners of the 28th edition of the Sharjah Holy Quran and Sunnah Award. The event, organised by the Sharjah Noble Quran and Sunnah Establishment, was held at the Al Qasimia University Theatre in the presence of scholars, officials, families of participants and supporters of the award.

The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. Sultan Matar bin Dalmouk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Noble Quran and Sunnah Establishment, delivered a speech welcoming the attendees and expressing his deep appreciation to Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi for honouring the winners and supporting the award.

Bin Dalmouk praised the strong cooperation between families, educational institutions, supervisors and teachers, which he said has played a key role in the continued success of the Establishment’s programmes and in raising the standard of participants year after year. He noted that the award has become a respected platform for excellence and fair competition, and an important means of instilling authentic Islamic values in children and youth. Through its diverse branches, the award combines mastery of the Holy Quran with adherence to the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in both knowledge and conduct.

He explained that this year’s edition saw wide participation from across the UAE, with 1,103 contestants taking part. Of these, 482 qualified for the final rounds, and 131 winners were selected across the various branches of the award, in addition to 12 winners in the accompanying activities. He added that this edition introduced a new category focused on Quranic readings, featuring the recitation of Asim along with the complete Al-Jazariyyah text, including its supplementary verses, for both male and female participants.

The audience watched a visual presentation highlighting the Establishment’s journey and its role in developing the award over the years, establishing it as one of the leading initiatives dedicated to serving the Holy Quran. The presentation also showcased the award’s contribution to nurturing young generations through a structured educational approach that encourages memorisation, understanding and proper recitation. The ceremony also featured selected recitations by two of the winners, which were warmly received by the audience.

Dr Salem Mohammed Al Duwabi, Head of the Judging Committee for the Prophetic Sunnah category, delivered a speech in which he commended the Establishment’s long-standing efforts in organising the award and honouring its achievers. He said the competition plays an important role in motivating participants to memorise the Holy Quran and the noble Prophetic Hadiths, helping to prepare a generation that serves as a positive example in knowledge, behaviour and values. He also thanked parents and guardians for their continued support of their children, noting that their encouragement is a cornerstone of these achievements.

Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi then honoured the male and female winners of the 28th edition, presenting shields and certificates of appreciation. Awards were given in the Holy Quran competition across its various categories, including the Imams and Quran instructors category (complete memorisation), the Asim recitation category with the complete Al-Jazariyyah text and its supplementary verses, and the general categories of complete memorisation, twenty parts, ten parts (citizens), ten parts (residents), five parts (citizens), and five parts (residents). Awards were also presented in special categories for senior citizens (men and women) and the “mother memoriser” category for women.

In the Prophetic Sunnah competition, winners were honoured in several branches, including Khulasat al-Kalam ‘ala ‘Umdat al-Ahkam (Hadith 1–294), Al-Muntaqa al-Jami‘ min Bulugh al-Maram (105 Hadiths), and Tanbih al-Anam bi Sharh Khamsin Hadithan min Qawa‘id al-Islam. The ceremony also recognised the best study circles and centres across the Emirate of Sharjah, as well as the top circles in the Eastern and Central regions. In addition, members of the judging committees for both competitions were honoured for their efforts.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi presented commemorative shields to the sponsors and supporters of the Establishment and the award, in appreciation of their continued backing. He also received a commemorative gift from the Establishment in gratitude for his attendance and for personally honouring the winners of this distinguished edition.

The ceremony reflected Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to serving the Holy Quran and the noble Prophetic Sunnah, and to encouraging generations to uphold Islamic values through knowledge, dedication and excellence.