Izuan, Ayan and Zeek win top honours at the 38th National Quran Recitation Competition

Ismail Izuan Ibrahim, Ayan Ahmed Inan and Aishath Zeek Riyaz have won top places in the 38th National Quran Recitation Competition.

The results were announced at a special ceremony held on Thursday evening, where winners were presented with prizes and certificates.

Ismail Izuan Ibrahim won first place in the Hafiz category, reserved for participants who recite entirely from memory.  

Ayan Ahmed Inan won first place in the Mushaf recitation category, where participants read directly from the Quran.  

Aishath Zeek Riyaz won first place in the memory-recitation category, reciting without looking at the Mushaf.

Winners of the competition received a plaque of honour from the President, a cash prize of MVR 100,000, and a special scholarship to pursue PhD studies abroad.

President Dr @MMuizzu and First Lady @sajidhaamohamed attend the closing ceremony of the 38th National Quran Competition, celebrating the achievements of participants and recognising their dedication to learning, memorising and reciting the Holy Quran. pic.twitter.com/Y7ZODQfC6U

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) September 24, 2026

Additional prizes included MVR 75,000, souvenirs and trophies from the National Centre for the Quran, the Maldives Zakat House, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, along with an Umrah trip sponsored by the Maldives Hajj Corporation.

Prizes and certificates were also awarded to winners in the Mushaf and memory-recitation categories across various age groups.

A total of 3,050 students auditioned for this year’s competition, with 2,742 completing their auditions. While 140 students qualified for the finals, 138 ultimately competed due to various reasons.

Speaking at the ceremony, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced that Dr. Yasser Al Dosari, Imam and Khatib of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, is scheduled to visit the Maldives.