Doha, July 28 (QNA) - The preliminary stage of the third round of the Global Quranic Competition "Awal Al Awa'ael" ("First of the Firsts"), the international branch of the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Competition for the Holy Quran, got underway.

The contest features broader global participation, with a contingent of memorizers who have received top ranks in global Quranic competitions.

Participating in this round are Abdullah Hamad Salem Hamad Abu Shuraida and Abdulaziz Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Hamri, alongside 82 competitors representing 33 nations from around the globe.

The procedures for identifying the would-be qualifiers are being held virtually and will continue until July 30.

This participation embodies the State of Qatar's constant presence at international Holy Quran memorization forums, highlighting national programs to prepare a top-performing generation of memorizers of the Noble Quran who are capable of competing in top-tier global contests.

This round has carved out a unique place among global competitions, with entry limited to elite winners from major international contests and past champions of the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Competition's full Quran memorization category.

This year's edition features an elite lineup of Quran memorizers who have earned top honors at major international competitions, making the "First of the Firsts" title one of the most prestigious achievements in global Quran competitions. The preliminary rounds are overseen by two specialized judging panels to ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process.

The first panel is chaired by Sheikh Hamada Jumaa Mohammed Hassan, who holds an Ijazah in the Ten Minor Qira'at, while the second is led by Sheikh Mohammed Nizar Marwan Mareesh, who holds an Ijazah in the Ten Major Qira'at.

The panels will assess contestants based on approved academic standards and select the top 40 to advance to the next round, which will be held in person in Qatar in November at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque.

The final round will feature the top 10 contestants competing before an international judging panel for the title and a QAR 1 million prize.

The competition tests Quran memorization, recitation, and understanding through a comprehensive academic approach.

Overall, the contest is part of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' efforts dedicated to honoring the Holy Quran and strengthening the State of Qatar's stature as a global hub for Quranic initiatives.

This closely aligns with the nation's strategic objectives and its National Vision 2030 in terms of building people and human development.

Having launched its inaugural edition in 2016, this branch stands as a global platform that assembles a group of winners of top ranks in global contests, as the competition is a triennial event, underscoring Qatar's mission in recognizing the memorizers of the Noble Quran and bolstering distinction and excellence in serving this Holy Book. (QNA)