Maldives’ Shaya wins fourth place in Mecca Quran competition

Al-Hafiza Fatimath Shaya Zahir of Ma. Asaas, representing the Maldives, has secured fourth place in the full Quran memorization category at the world’s most prestigious Quran competition, held in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Islamic Ministry said Shaya received a prize of 170,000 Saudi Riyals in recognition of her outstanding achievement.

A special ceremony was held on Wednesday at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to announce the competition’s results. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Mecca, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabian Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh and Chief Imam of Masjid al-Haram Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais.

Islamic Ministry said the Saudi Arabian Minister of Islamic Affairs personally met with Shaya and her parents to congratulate her on the achievement and offer words of encouragement.

The international competition has been held annually for 46 consecutive years. This year’s 46th edition featured participants from 133 countries. Notably, this was the first edition in the competition’s history to introduce a female category, enabling women to participate in the event.

Maldivian Islamic Ministry Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed also attended the historic awards ceremony as a special guest.

The Ministry emphasized that securing such a high rank in a major international competition represents a significant achievement and honor for the Maldives