Competition guide · 03
What the judges listen for in each division, how scores come together, and what winners receive.
Memorization and tajwīd are the heart of every score. Performance matters too, so the most distinguished reciters stand out. Judges are expected to remain impartial, and all outcomes are final.
A pass or fail check of memorization for the Memorization division. A judge asks for a few lines from different Ajzāʾ of your portion.
Accuracy first
Memorization is the focus. Tajwīd and voice matter less at this stage.
Several Ajzāʾ
Short questions spread across your portion confirm you are ready.
Clear standard
Repeated corrections, or not being able to continue, means you do not advance.
Score weighting
Every scored round
95%
Memorization & tajwīd
5%
Performance
40%
Tajwīd accuracy
60%
Voice
Voice is judged on vocal range, tone quality, smooth transitions between maqāmāt, the strength of openings and endings, and breath control. Judges nominate competitors from the Memorization rounds, the nominees' videos decide the finalists, and the Final is judged on stage.
Mostly open-ended questions in English, answered in English or Arabic. Partial credit may be awarded.
Questions on stage for the top 20. Judges grade the completeness and accuracy of each answer.
In both rounds, scores are averaged across the judges for fairness and consistency.
Cash prizes in every category, Umrah for first places, a vehicle for each 30 Juz champion and a certificate for every finalist.
Amounts per section. Each category has a male and a female section.
| Place | 1 Juz | 3 Juz | 5 Juz | 10 Juz | 15 Juz | 20 Juz | 30 Juz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | $1,500 + Umrah | $1,750 + Umrah | $2,000 + Umrah | $2,250 + Umrah | $2,500 + Umrah | $2,750 + Umrah | Vehicle + Umrah |
| 2nd | $1,500 | $1,750 | $2,000 | $2,250 | $2,500 | $2,750 | $7,000 |
| 3rd | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,600 | $1,800 | $5,000 |
| 4th | $600 | $700 | $800 | – | – | – | – |
| 5th | $400 | $500 | $600 | – | – | – | – |
One combined section per category.
| Place | Qirāʾāt 5 Juz | Qirāʾāt 15 Juz | Qirāʾāt 30 Juz | Best Voice | Islamic Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | $3,500 + Umrah | $7,000 + Umrah | $10,000 + Umrah | $2,000 + Umrah | $2,000 + Umrah |
| 2nd | $3,000* | – | – | $2,000* | $2,000 |
| 3rd | $2,500* | – | – | $1,500* | $1,500 |
Each Ten Qirāʾāt category runs only if at least 5 competitors register. In 15 Juz and 30 Juz, only first place is awarded. * In Ten Qirāʾāt 5 Juz and Best Voice, with 5 to 9 competitors only first place receives a cash award and second and third receive certificates; with 10 or more, all listed awards apply. Memorization and Islamic Studies awards are fixed.
30 Juz · First place
For the first place winner of each 30 Juz section: a Toyota RAV4 or equivalent, presented in a special ceremony with family, teacher and media. Make, model, color and features may differ from any display, and paperwork is arranged directly with the winner.
First place · Umrah
First place winners travel with the group after the competition, planned for the end of July or early August 2027. Exact dates will be announced. Winners need a passport valid at least six months past departure and a Saudi visa obtained online, and families submit documents soon after the ceremony.
Parents may join at their own expense. Families and community members planning Umrah in the same window can contact us about joining the group.
Where awards are given. Awards are presented in North America and must be claimed in person; nothing is shipped internationally. Umrah travel is arranged for U.S. and Canadian residents departing from North America. No substitutions or transfers.
Community gifts. In past years, individuals and community partners have sponsored extra gifts for finalists, such as electronics and jewelry. These vary from year to year.
