Bringing Muslims together across Egypt and beyond, Al-Azhar’s World Qur’an Recitation Day initiative has gained a remarkable attention with over 85,000 people being registered to recite the Qur’an from memory on Sunday, August 30.
Now in its third year, the initiative is being held under the theme “Read and Rise” and brings together Qur’an students, memorizers and members of the wider public for a day dedicated to Qur’an recitation.
Participants can either complete the entire Qur’an from memory or take part in the partial-recitation track.
Dr. Abu Al-Yazid Salama, deputy head of Al-Azhar’s Institutes Sector, said more than 85,000 people had officially registered for this year’s event, before counting participants from outside Egypt.
The initiative has grown significantly since its launch, increasing from around 6,000 participants in 2024 to around 100,000 in 2025.
This year, the international component includes Al-Azhar institutes from around nine countries across Africa and Asia, alongside branches of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates and individuals participating from abroad.
Last year’s event saw more than 100,000 Qur’an memorizers participate in Egypt, while participants also joined from 19 countries outside the country, according to Al-Azhar.