Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is continuing the Baraim Category (Far‘ Al-Baraim) examinations as part of the 31st edition of the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Qur’an Competition, reinforcing the competition’s role as a leading educational platform that encourages children to memorize the Holy Qur’an and instils Islamic values from an early age.
Citizen participants, both boys and girls, are scheduled to sit for their examinations on Wednesday and Thursday, February 25–26, 2026, coinciding with the conclusion of the resident category tests. The examinations are being held in a spiritually uplifting and well-organized atmosphere that reflects the competition’s longstanding stature and leadership in serving the Qur’an and its memorization.
This year, 753 Qatari boys and girls have registered in the Baraim Category, including 369 boys and 384 girls. Overall participation across all categories has reached 2,848 contestants representing 45 nationalities from among citizens and residents of Qatar. The figures highlight the cultural diversity of Qatari society and underscore the competition’s inclusive nature as a unifying platform promoting Qur’anic values across the community.
The high level of participation among Qatari families reflects growing interest in encouraging children to memorize the Qur’an at a young age, fostering a culture of excellence, revision, and commitment to the teachings of the Holy Book as both a method and a way of life.
The Baraim Category is specifically designed to motivate young children to begin their Qur’anic journey early. Boys and girls compete by memorizing one part from the last five sections of the Qur’an. Age requirements stipulate that Qatari participants must not exceed 12 years, while resident participants must not exceed eight years of age.
This framework positions the category as an early educational platform aimed at nurturing memorization skills, precision in recitation, and a deep spiritual connection to the Qur’an during formative years.
Male contestants are being examined at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque during evening sessions beginning after Asr prayer. Female contestants are sitting for their examinations at the headquarters of the Da’wah and Religious Guidance Department – Women’s Section in Al Waab, also during evening hours after Isha prayer.
The Ministry has implemented meticulous organizational arrangements to ensure smooth procedures and provide an appropriate and supportive environment for all participants.
Female examination committees are composed of qualified Qatari female judges who have mastered Qur’an memorization, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and objectivity.
Meanwhile, the male judging panels are chaired by distinguished young Qatari judges who have continued their adjudication roles over the years, reinforcing the competition’s mission of serving the Qur’an while building specialized national cadres in this field.
