Important Dates
Mark your calendars for the 12th Annual Imam Shāṭibī Qur'an Competition. Below are the official deadlines and event dates for all participants.
Registration Opens In
on February 1, 2026
Registration Closes
Feb 15, 2026
14 days to register
Preliminary Round
May 1, 2026
Virtual Competition
Final Round
Jul 4, 2026
Minneapolis, MN
Key Deadlines
Official competition schedule with details
Registration Period
Feb 1 – Feb 15, 2026
- Online portal opens for all divisions
- Upload photo ID, proof of age, certifications
- Select division & category (based on memorization level)
- Confirmation email with participant ID
- Deadline: Feb 15 at 11:59 PM CST (no late registrations accepted)
Entry Screening
Mar 27 - Mar 31, 2026
* Updated from Mar 1–8
- Memorization Division only
- Video call assessment with random time slot
- Short memorization questions from designated Ajzāʾ
- Confirms readiness for preliminary round
- Multiple mistakes with correction, or the inability to recite one or more questions, will result in disqualification
- Finalists from the 2024 and 2025 competitions, and 3 Juz category finalists this Ramadan, are exempt
Preliminary Round
May 1 - May 14, 2026
* Updated from Apr 14–26
- Virtual competition (all divisions)
- Online scheduling required after registration
- Evaluation: memorization, tajwīd, recitation
- Top performers advance to final round
- Livestreamed for public viewing
Final Round
July 4–11, 2026 • Minneapolis, MN
- In-person competition
- Scheduling for qualified participants (priority for out-of-state)
- Public attendance welcome
- Livestreamed globally
Awards Ceremony
July 11, 2026
- Celebration of excellence with community gathering
- 60+ awards presented
- Certificates for all finalists
- Special recognition awards
- Cash prizes for top performers
Time Zone
Standard timing information
Central Standard Time
All competition times follow CST/CDT
All dates and times are listed in CST/CDT. Virtual participants must adjust to their local time zone.
Eastern Time
CST +1 hour
Mountain Time
CST -1 hour
Pacific Time
CST -2 hours
Important: Virtual participants are responsible for converting times to their local time zone. Missing an event due to time zone confusion will not be excused.
Are you Eligible to Compete?
Don't miss your chance to participate in the 12th Annual Imam Shāṭibī Qur'an Competition.