Qur'an Recitation and Hifz Contest Audition Held in Gamo-Koshigaya

The audition round for the Gamo-Koshigaya regional stage of the International Qur'an Recitation and Hifz Competition 2026, organized by the Islamic Cultural Foundation Japan, was held on Sunday afternoon at Baitul Aman Masjid Complex. More than 80 children and teenagers took part in the two categories, Hifzul Qur'an (memorization) and Qur'an recitation.

The program was hosted by Shah Jamal and Delwar Hossain, with overall arrangements led by Shaheen Ali. Imams and khatibs from mosques across Tokyo and Saitama served as judges, closely evaluating participants on recitation, makhraj (pronunciation), tajweed, voice quality and memorization skill before selecting first, second and third place winners in each category.

Before the prize distribution, a discussion session addressed the importance of shaping children's character, helping them observe Islamic practice amid the challenges of life in Japan, and raising the next generation in accordance with the Qur'an and Islamic teachings. Speakers included Islamic Mission Japan's Central President Hafez Maulana Saber Ahmed, and Atiqur Rahman, director of Young Muslim Japan and editor of Japan Bangla News, among other Islamic scholars, who stressed that such competitions play a vital role in connecting children growing up abroad with the Qur'an and Islamic values. Winners and selected participants received prizes and certificates at the close of the event.

Following the regional rounds held across Japan, the grand final of the competition will take place on Sunday, 30 August 2026, from 2 p.m. at Baitul Aman Masjid Complex. One out of every eight participants selected at the regional level will advance to the grand final, where contestants from across Japan's chapters will compete for the top honors, with the aim of deepening young Muslims' connection to the Qur'an.