Qatar Launches Global Hadith Memorization Competition with Over QR1 Million in Prizes

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs officially launched the "Mirath Al-Nubuwwah" (Inheritance of Prophethood) competition yesterday. The global Hadith memorization competition, offering total prizes exceeding QR1m, aims to promote the Prophetic Sunnah and instill its values among youth worldwide. This significant initiative seeks to foster a deeper connection to Islamic teachings and encourage the younger generation to embrace the guidance found in the Hadith. The announcement occurred during a press conference held at the ministry’s headquarters, marking the official commencement of this international endeavor.

The competition is aptly named "Mirath Al-Nubuwwah," which directly references the profound Prophetic teaching that scholars are the heirs of the prophets. This name shows the competition's core mission: to honor and preserve the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by encouraging the memorization and understanding of his sayings and actions. The Ministry stated that the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to serve the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and strengthen adherence to his guidance, both within Qatar and across the global Muslim community. This commitment notes Qatar's dedication to supporting Islamic knowledge and heritage on an international scale.

Competition Details and Structure

Registration for the global Hadith memorization competition is scheduled to open on September 1, 2026, and will continue until October 31, 2026. This two-month window provides ample opportunity for interested participants from around the world to submit their applications. Further full details regarding the competition, including specific rules, eligibility requirements, and the registration process, can be accessed via its dedicated website, https://islam.gov.qa/hadeth/home. The website serves as the primary resource for all prospective competitors and provides essential information to ensure a smooth participation experience.

The competition is meticulously divided into two distinct levels to accommodate varying levels of expertise and focus on different collections of Hadith: the Gold Level and the Silver Level. These categories are designed to challenge participants while allowing them to specialize in specific scholarly works.

The Gold Level requires participants to memorize Hadith from “Al-Muntaqa” by Imam Al-Majd Ibn Taymiyyah. Jassim bin Abdullah Al Ali, a key figure in the competition's organization, as quoted in the announcement, stated, "The Gold Level focuses on memorizing Hadith from “Al-Muntaqa” by Imam Al-Majd Ibn Taymiyyah, a specialized collection focused on jurisprudential rulings." This level is intended for advanced memorizers who have a strong grasp of Hadith literature and its applications in Islamic law. The Silver Level, on the other hand, focuses on memorization from “Riyadh Al-Salihin” by Imam Al-Nawawi, a widely acclaimed and accessible collection known for its ethical and moral teachings. This level aims to encourage broader participation and introduce a wider audience to the beauty and wisdom of the Prophetic traditions. Participants are permitted to compete in only one category, ensuring focused effort and fair competition. Eligibility criteria state that all applicants must be male, a specification that aligns with certain traditional interpretations of religious scholarship competitions.

The competition proceeds through two main stages, designed to rigorously test participants' memorization skills and understanding. Initially, a remote qualification round will be conducted via video conference, allowing for widespread international participation without the immediate need for travel. This preliminary stage ensures that only the most proficient candidates advance. This will be followed by a final in-person round held in Qatar, bringing together the top talents for a direct and conclusive assessment. Preliminary remote tests are scheduled to begin in January 2027, giving participants sufficient time to prepare after the registration period closes. The final round will then take place in March 2027 in Qatar, where 20 finalists from both the Gold and Silver categories will compete in person, showcasing their mastery of the Hadith in a live setting.

Prize Money and Levels

The competition features distinct and substantial prize structures for its Gold and Silver levels, reflecting the high value placed on Hadith memorization and scholarship. These monetary incentives are designed to recognize and reward the immense effort and dedication required to achieve excellence in this field.

For participants in the Gold Level, the top prize for first place is set at a generous QR200,000. This significant award shows the challenging nature of memorizing from “Al-Muntaqa” and the depth of knowledge expected from the winner. Subsequent places in this category receive varying amounts, with the prize for tenth place amounting to QR10,000. The prize distribution for the Gold Level is structured as follows: the second-place winner will receive QR150,000, the third-place winner QR100,000, the fourth-place winner QR80,000, the fifth-place winner QR70,000, the sixth-place winner QR60,000, the seventh-place winner QR50,000, the eighth-place winner QR40,000, and the ninth-place winner QR20,000. These financial incentives aim to reward high levels of achievement in memorizing Hadith from “Al-Muntaqa” by Imam Al-Majd Ibn Taymiyyah, encouraging rigorous study and precise recall.

In the Silver Level, the prize for the first-place winner is QR120,000. This substantial prize recognizes the achievement of mastering “Riyadh Al-Salihin.” Prizes for participants in this category decrease down to QR6,000 for tenth place, ensuring that a broad range of high-achievers are acknowledged. The prize breakdown for the Silver Level includes QR90,000 for second place, QR60,000 for third place, QR50,000 for fourth place, QR40,000 for fifth place, QR30,000 for sixth place, QR25,000 for seventh place, QR20,000 for eighth place, and QR10,000 for ninth place. This level focuses on Hadith memorization from “Riyadh Al-Salihin” by Imam Al-Nawawi, making it accessible to a wider pool of memorizers. The tiered prize system across both levels is meticulously designed to encourage broad participation and recognize excellence in Hadith memorization, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and scholarly pursuit.

Context and Broader Goals

To advance to the final in-person round in Qatar, the top 10 contestants in both the Gold and Silver categories must achieve a minimum score of 90% during the remote qualification stage. This stringent requirement ensures a consistently high standard of memorization and accuracy among the finalists who will compete in Qatar, guaranteeing that only the most dedicated and skilled participants reach the culminating stage of the competition. This rigorous selection process upholds the integrity and prestige of the "Mirath Al-Nubuwwah" competition.

The global competition expands upon previous local initiatives, according to officials, demonstrating a strategic progression in promoting Islamic knowledge. Jassim bin Abdullah Al Ali stated, "The initiative builds on the success of the local ‘Young Muhaddith’ competition, expanding participation to an international level and reinforcing Qatar’s global role in supporting initiatives that serve Islamic knowledge and heritage." This expansion reflects Qatar's vision to become a leading hub for Islamic scholarship and education, reaching out to youth worldwide. The competition aims to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Prophetic Sunnah globally, encouraging youth to internalize its moral and ethical teachings and apply them in their daily lives. By providing an international platform for Hadith memorization, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs seeks to cultivate a new generation of scholars and practitioners who are deeply rooted in the traditions of Islam. This endeavor is a testament to Qatar's unwavering commitment to preserving and propagating the rich heritage of Islamic teachings for future generations.