A Maldivian student has achieved an exceptional international distinction after securing fourth place in the Holy Quran memorisation category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Quran, held in the holy city of Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hafiza Fathimath Shaya Zahir represented the Maldives at the prestigious competition and was ranked among the top four contestants in her category, earning a prize of 170,000 Saudi Riyals. Her achievement came at an international event that brought together participants from 133 countries, making her result a significant accomplishment for the Maldives and a proud moment for the country’s Quranic education community.
The competition is regarded as one of the world’s largest and most prominent international Quran competitions, providing a distinguished platform for talented reciters and memorizers of the Holy Quran from across the globe. The 46th edition concluded with an official ceremony at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah, one of Islam’s holiest and most revered sites.
The closing ceremony was attended by senior Saudi officials and prominent Islamic scholars, including Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, and Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Imam of the Grand Mosque. Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed also attended the ceremony as a special guest.
Minister Shaheem congratulated Shaya on her achievement and described the result as a great honour for the Maldives. He highlighted the significance of a Maldivian representative achieving a leading position at an international Quran competition of such scale, particularly among contestants representing 133 nations.
The Minister also noted that the 46th edition marked the first occasion on which a female category was included in the competition. Shaya’s success in this historic edition has therefore given additional significance to the Maldives’ participation and demonstrated the ability of Maldivian Quran students to compete successfully at the highest international level.
Following the closing ceremony, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh met with Shaya and her parents, personally congratulating her on the achievement and offering words of encouragement for her continued dedication to the memorisation and study of the Holy Quran. The meeting further highlighted the recognition accorded to her performance by the organisers and senior officials attending the competition.
Shaya’s fourth-place finish is expected to serve as an inspiration to young Quran students throughout the Maldives and to encourage greater participation in national and international Quran competitions. Her success also reflects the growing opportunities available for talented Maldivian students to demonstrate their knowledge, discipline and commitment on respected international platforms.
The achievement comes amid continued national attention to strengthening Quranic education, Islamic learning and opportunities for young people to develop their abilities in memorisation and recitation. The Government of Maldives, through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and relevant institutions, has continued to place importance on nurturing Quranic talent and facilitating Maldivian participation in international religious and academic programmes.
Shaya’s performance in Makkah represents both an individual achievement and a moment of national pride for the Maldives. Competing successfully among participants from more than 130 countries at one of the world’s most prestigious Quran competitions places her among an accomplished group of young Quran memorizers and further strengthens the Maldives’ representation in international Quranic forums.
Her achievement also reflects the longstanding religious and cultural ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with cooperation in Islamic affairs, Quranic education and religious programmes continuing to provide valuable opportunities for Maldivian students, scholars and institutions.
As Shaya returns home with international recognition and a fourth-place award from Makkah, her accomplishment stands as a powerful example of dedication to the Holy Quran and an encouraging milestone for the next generation of Maldivian Quran students aspiring to represent their country on the global stage.
advertisment
advertisment
