Monday 16 Mar 2026
A young boy attends the graduation ceremony for huffaz on March 1, 2026. (Photo/President's Office)
The National Center for Quran has officially announced that applications are now open for Maldivian citizens interested in participating in the prestigious Malaysia International Al-Quran Recitation and Memorization Assembly (MTHQA). Scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 4 to October 10, the event provides a global platform for top reciters and memorizers. Two slots have been allocated to the Maldives, divided into the Hafazan and Tilawah Mujawwad categories. Interested candidates must navigate a rigorous selection process, including an internal screening and a subsequent international qualifying round. All applications and required documentation must be submitted by March 20, 2026.
Applications have opened for Maldivians interested in participating in the upcoming Malaysia International Al-Quran Recitation and Memorization Assembly (MTHQA).
The prestigious MTHQA has been held annually in Kuala Lumpur since 1961. This year’s competition will take place from October 4 – 10.
In an announcement on Sunday, the National Center for Quran said that total two slots are available for Maldivian citizens in two categories; Hafazan or recitation of the entire Holy Quran by memory, and Tilawah Mujawwad, a melodic and expressive style of Quranic recitation.
The first category is reserved for huffaz aged 13 to under 25, who have received certification from National Center for Quran for memorization of the entire book of Quran, and can recite it to the style of Sheikh Al-Minshawi or Sheikh Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad.
Meanwhile, the second category is reserved for applicants aged 18 to under 50, who are well-versed in reciting Quran.
Individuals who have placed first in a previous edition of the competition, or have participated in the competition in the last three years are ineligible to apply for this year’s competition.
According to the National Center for Quran, the Maldives has received two slots – one for a female contestant and one for a male contestant. The Center said that it will be selecting one for each category.
The candidates will be selected following a screening process by the Center.
Meanwhile, the two candidates picked by the Center will be required to join an online screening between May 3 and 8 by the event organizer. They need to pass this qualifying round in order to join the competition.
Interested candidates have been asked to fill an online form and submit supporting documents by 03:00 pm March 20.
Organized by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the MTHQA showcases top participants from dozens of countries. The Maldives has been participating in the competition for over 20 years.
