Competition Format
See the Important Dates page for the competition timeline. This page covers the format specifics of each division.
Memorization & Ten Qirāʾāt
Core recitation divisions
New in 2026: Mandatory Screening
Following registration, a screening will be held to ensure early readiness. This may involve a brief video call to recite a few passages. Evaluation is strictly for memorization accuracy; multiple mistakes may result in disqualification.
Exemption: Not required for finalists from the 2024 and 2025 competitions, or finalists from the 3 Juz category this Ramadan.
Division Rules
Memorization Division
Involves memorization of the Qur'an in the riwāyah of Ḥafṣ ʿan ʿĀṣim. Other riwāyāt are not accepted. Three questions are asked, except for the 30 Juzʾ category, which has four.
Ten Qirāʾāt Division
Involves memorization of the Qur'an in all 10 canonical Qirāʾāt and their 20 riwāyāt. Three questions are asked, except for the 30 Juzʾ category, which has four.
Preliminary Round (Virtual)
- Scheduling is done through the registration portal.
- The competition will be recorded and livestreamed on YouTube.
- Results will be announced on the portal approximately one week after the round.
- Qualification is based on a preset number of top competitors.
- Finalists have 7 days after results to withdraw, allowing next highest scorers to advance. Late withdrawals without medical documentation incur penalties.
Final Round (In-Person)
Venue:
Karmel Community & Prayer Center2910 Pillsbury Ave #301 (3rd Floor)
Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Scheduling is done via the portal one week after qualifier announcements.
- Non-Minnesota participants are given priority for later time slots to facilitate travel.
2026 Qualification Preset
The following number of top competitors will be selected from each category to advance to the final round. Due to logistical constraints, only a limited number can qualify; this does not reflect individual performance. If capacity allowed, we would advance everyone.
- 1-20 Juzʾ: Top 20 from each section (male/female)
- 30 Juzʾ (Girls): Top 20
- 30 Juzʾ (Boys): Top 30*
*Based on historically high participation.
Ten Qirāʾāt & Specialty Divisions: Selections are based on participation. Categories may be canceled if minimum participation, as outlined on the Awards page, is not met.
Best Voice
Unleashing the beauty of recitation
Preliminary Round
- All Memorization Division participants are automatically considered.
- Judges rank participants based on Tajwīd, Voice, and Adāʾ (performance style).
- Selected participants will be notified and asked to upload a short video recitation.
- 10 participants are selected for Group A (13+) and 10 for Group B (12 and under).
Final Round (In-Person)
The final round will be held on an evening during the finals week at the Karmel Community & Prayer Center.
- A muṣḥaf will be provided to read from.
- A bell will ring to indicate the 5-minute time limit is approaching.
Islamic Studies
Building a strong foundation
Requirements & Materials
- Participants must be proficient in both Arabic and English (reading and writing).
- Official study book (PDF): Open study material
- Topics: ʿAqīdah, Fiqh, Sīrah, Ḥadīth, and Tafsīr.
Preliminary Round (Written)
An in-person written test will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in states with sufficient participation. * Updated from Sun, April 26
Test Format
- Primarily open-ended, but may include other formats.
- Questions are in English; answers may be in English or Arabic.
- Partial credit may be awarded.
Final Round (Oral)
The top 20 participants advance to the in-person final round at the Karmel Community & Prayer Center.
- The final round is an oral test with on-stage questions.
- Judges will evaluate the completeness and accuracy of responses.
Withdrawal & No-Show Penalty
Participants who qualify for the final round and withdraw after the one-week grace period (without documented medical excuse) or fail to attend will be ineligible to participate in the competition for the following year.