United Media Services & Ministry of Awqaf Launch Egypt’s Biggest Televised Qur’an Competition in History

 

The preliminary rounds of the largest televised Qur’an competition in Egypt’s history kicked off on Saturday, August 16, at the historic Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque in Cairo.

 

 

Organized in collaboration between Egypt’s Ministry of Awqaf and United Media Services, the “State of Recitation” contest brings together more than 14,000 participants from across Egypt’s governorates to compete for the honor of having the nation’s finest Qur’anic voice.

 

Three judging panels have already begun listening to the contestants, featuring esteemed scholars and reciters such as Sheikh Mahmoud El-Khesht, Sheikh Taha Al-No’mani, Sheikh Youssef Halawa, Sheikh Karem El-Hariri, and Sheikh Fathy Abdel-Moneim Khalif.

 

Dr. Osama Fakhry, Head of the Central Administration for Mosques and Qur’an Affairs, described the competition as a journey to discover a new generation of Egyptian reciters following in the footsteps of legends like Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hosary, Sheikh Abdel Basit Abdel Samad, Sheikh Mohammed Seddik Al-Minshawi, Sheikh Mustafa Ismail, and Sheikh Mahmoud Ali Al-Banna.

 

He emphasized that the collaboration with United Media Services represented by Masr Qur’an Karim Channel and its application marks the launch of a groundbreaking television program dedicated to discovering and nurturing Qur’an reciters nationwide. The initiative seeks to reinforce Egypt’s historical role as the cradle of Qur’an recitation and to ensure its legacy continues to inspire the Muslim world.

 

Dr. Osama Raslan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Awqaf, noted that the competition has drawn an unprecedented number of contestants—over 14,000— reflecting Egypt’s enduring position as the world’s beacon of Qur’an recitation and chanting. He stressed that the contest will not only showcase the best voices but also highlight Egypt’s cultural leadership and soft power in spreading the message of the Holy Qur’an.