The final stage of the inaugural Rofaqaa International Orphans Branch of the Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Competition is currently taking place in Doha. The event is held in cooperation with Qatar Charity at Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque. This first edition features 30 contestants from eight countries, who advanced through preliminary rounds involving over 300 participants representing 20 nations. Competitors are evaluated in three categories based on their memorization of the Quran: the entire text, the last 20 Juz’, and the last 10 Juz’.
Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Deputy Chairman of the Sheikh Jassim Quran Competition Committee and Director of the Mosques Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, described the Rofaqaa branch as a novel initiative focused on orphans supported by Qatar Charity. He noted that finalists underwent multiple screening phases and training sessions organized jointly by the ministry and Qatar Charity to refine their skills ahead of the finals. Sheikh Abdulrahman emphasized that the competition represents a foundational step toward ongoing collaboration between the two entities and could lead to an annual event pending evaluation of this inaugural edition. He further highlighted the ministry’s dedication to expanding Quranic competitions to various groups while strengthening partnerships with organizations supporting orphans.
Ahmed Yousuf Fakhroo, Advisor to the CEO of Qatar Charity, explained that the event stems from the Furqan initiative launched under Rofaqaa, which aims to teach the Holy Quran and Arabic to orphans. Selected countries participated in the first phase, with Quran memorization centers incorporated into the program. Qualifiers and evaluations took place in participating countries under the supervision of these centers, selecting the top candidates for the Doha finals. Preparation for the competition lasted several months, including continuous Quran revision and participant assessments.
Fakhroo outlined that the two-day final includes contests for memorizing 10 Juz’, 20 Juz’, and the entire Quran, from which nine winners will be chosen. He expressed hopes that the competition will become a recurring event, expanding its impact across the beneficiary nations. Additionally, he revealed a humanitarian initiative running alongside the competition, facilitating meetings between orphans and their sponsors. These encounters aim to foster humanitarian and social connections, reinforce ties, and provide a spiritual setting focused on the Quran.
The Rofaqaa and Furqan initiatives are designed to create holistic support for orphans, integrating care with educational, developmental, and religious programs. Fakhroo noted that Qatar Charity currently sponsors approximately 250,000 orphans globally, supported by Qatari donors, along with backing Quran memorization centers and study circles in various countries.
Mohammed Ali Mohammed Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Examination Committee for the Rofaqaa branch, detailed that the current stage involves testing 30 contestants in sessions of 10 each. These assessments, conducted over several days, cover memorization categories aligned with the competition’s structure. Al Hammadi stressed the spiritual and humanitarian importance of supporting orphans through Quran memorization, calling it a noble cause. He added that participation encourages orphans to develop stronger Quranic skills and enhances their engagement in religious and community activities.
Targeting male orphans aged 12 to 20 sponsored by Qatar Charity, the Rofaqaa International Orphans Branch represents the first international competition of its kind. It aims to promote Quranic memorization, nurture promising talents, and provide an educational environment that balances fair competition with intellectual and humanitarian support.