NOUAKCHOTT — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has finalized preparations for the first Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Competition for Memorizing the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet in Mauritania. The competition, set to take place from October 15 to 19, is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education in Mauritania, and will occur annually across West African countries. A total of 136 contestants from 16 countries will participate, with five judges overseeing the Holy Quran competition and another five judges for the Sunnah competition, all experts in Quranic recitations and Hadith sciences. The competition seeks to promote moderation and balance among the youth, based on the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. The event will include a three-day qualifying round, culminating in a closing ceremony on October 19. The total prize pool is SR1,218,000.