17-Year-Old Maldivian Hafiza Wins SAR 170,000 at Quran Competition

Maldivian Hafiza Fathimath Shaya Zahir wins fourth place and SAR 170,000 at the 46th King Abdulaziz Quran Competition in Makkah.

By News National Editorial Team

A 17-year-old Quran memoriser from the Maldives has achieved international recognition after securing fourth place at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Quran, held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Al-Hafiza Fathimath Shaya Zahir, representing the Maldives, received a cash prize of SAR 170,000 for her performance in the full Quran memorisation category. Her achievement has brought recognition to the Maldives and highlighted the growing international participation of young female Quran students.

The results were announced during a special ceremony at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah on August 19, with reports of the achievement published on August 20, 2026.

Historic participation of female contestants

The 46th edition of the prestigious competition marked a historic milestone: female participants were welcomed for the first time in its 46-year history.

According to reports, the competition brought together 334 contestants representing 133 countries. The introduction of a female category created an opportunity for women to compete on the international platform alongside participants from around the world.

Shaya's fourth-place finish was particularly significant because it came during this landmark edition.

Recognition for the Maldivian student

The Maldives' Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, attended the award ceremony as a special guest and praised Shaya's achievement.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, also met Shaya and her parents after the ceremony and congratulated her on her accomplishment.

The recognition highlighted the importance of Quran memorisation and the dedication required to compete at an international level.

A journey of dedication

According to Maldivian media reports, Shaya memorised the Holy Quran at the age of nine. She had also participated in other international Quran competitions, including an event in Egypt in 2023, where she reportedly secured second place.

Her latest achievement demonstrates the commitment, discipline and preparation required to represent a country at a major international Quran competition.

A milestone for women in Quran competitions

The inclusion of female contestants in the 46th edition represents an important development in the competition's history. It has expanded opportunities for women and girls to demonstrate their Quran memorisation and recitation abilities on an international stage.

Shaya's achievement is expected to encourage more young students, particularly girls, to pursue Quranic education and participate in international competitions.

News National Perspective

Al-Hafiza Fathimath Shaya Zahir's fourth-place finish is a proud moment for the Maldives and an inspiring example of dedication among young Quran students.

Beyond the prize money and international recognition, her achievement carries additional significance because it took place in the first edition of the competition to welcome female participants.

Her success sends an encouraging message to young people across the world: commitment to learning, discipline and perseverance can create opportunities to achieve recognition on an international platform.

Sources and verification

1. Maldives diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia: Maldivian Hafiza Fathimath Shaya Zahir Secures Fourth Place – Official diplomatic mission report confirming her fourth-place finish and SAR 170,000 prize.

2. SunOnline International: Maldives’ Shaya wins fourth place in Mecca Quran competition – Confirms her achievement, age and first-time female participation.

3. Maldives PSM News: Maldivian student wins fourth at world’s premier Quran competition – Confirms the competition milestone and award.

4. Union of News Agencies of the OIC: 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition – Competition details, 334 participants from 133 countries and the introduction of the female category.