NEWS
4May
Bangsamoro Qur'an reciter wins championship at international competition in Türkiye
- May 4, 2026
- Gandhi Kinjiyo
- HITS: 193
Al-Qari Sadhan Zacaria won the championship during the prestigious competition held in Diyarbak?r, Türkiye from April 22 to 30, 2026. In a distinction that underscored the significance of the achievement, the award was personally conferred by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an during the closing ceremony.
Zacaria's victory was recognized for his exceptional command of tajw?d — the rules governing proper Qur'anic pronunciation and recitation — as well as his precise articulation, refined melodic control, and deep spiritual expression, which collectively impressed the competition's panel of judges.
The win marks a remarkable milestone in Zacaria's recitation journey. He had previously won the Bangsamoro regional level of the same competition in 2023, rising through the ranks to ultimately represent the Philippines on the international stage. He served as the country's official nominee to the competition upon the invitation of Türkiye's Presidency of Religious Affairs.
The Bangsamoro Government took to social media to commend Zacaria for his outstanding achievement. "As official participants from the Bangsamoro, Philippines, Alqari Sadhan demonstrated exemplary mastery… earning the award personally from H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an," the government's statement read.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), led by Chairperson Sabuddin N. Abdurahim, also extended its congratulations to Zacaria in a social media post on April 30, 2026. The commission described the victory as a reflection of the Philippines' continued commitment to promoting Qur'anic excellence on the global stage, and noted that it further highlights the country's growing recognition in international Qur'an recitation competitions.
The championship adds to a string of achievements that have placed Filipino Muslim reciters in the spotlight of international Qur'anic arts, reinforcing the Bangsamoro community's deep-rooted tradition of Qur'anic education and spiritual practice.
Time in Cotabato
Most Read
