MARIB, Yemen — On January 4, 2025, the Ministry of Awqaf and the local authority in Marib province, northeastern Yemen, inaugurated the preliminary rounds of the Quran competition titled "Read and Recite," which qualifies participants for international contests. The event features 20 contestants vying for the top honors.

During the launch, Hassan Al-Sheikh, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf, and Abdu Rabbu Miftah, the Undersecretary of Marib province, emphasized that these activities reflect the ministry's and local authority's commitment to nurturing the youth and fostering their spiritual development, according to the official Yemeni news agency Saba.

They highlighted the ministry’s role in disseminating correct religious teachings free from extremism, utilizing Quran memorization centers to protect future generations from distortions and misconceptions propagated by the Houthi militia and allied extremist groups.

Al-Sheikh and Miftah noted that the winners of the preliminary rounds will represent Marib in the final competition at the national level, set to take place in the temporary capital, Aden, and will also qualify for international competitions.

The Director of the Awqaf and Guidance Office explained that the preliminary rounds encompass five categories: memorization of the Quran in ten readings, complete Quran memorization, memorization for young hafiz, beautiful recitation, and call to prayer (adhan). He praised the local authority's support in promoting religious and national values while combating extremism and correcting misconceptions among the youth.