Bangladeshi young Hafiz Nuruddin Zakaria has secured first place in the fourth category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Memorisation, Recitation and Tafsir Competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.He emerged as the winner after competing against hundreds of participants from 133 countries. Zakaria is a student of Ar Rayhan International Madrasa in Dhaka.15 Juz memorisation, recitation and TajweedZakaria competed in the fourth category, where participants were assessed on their memorisation of 15 Juz of the Holy Quran, along with recitation and Tajweed skills.After progressing through several rounds of rigorous evaluation, he secured the top position in the category.The competition was organised in five categories by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. A total of 334 participants from 133 countries took part in this year’s event.Saudi and international judges evaluated the contestants on Quran memorisation, recitation, Tajweed and related skills. A total of 50 winners across different categories will receive prizes, with the overall prize money amounting to 126 million Saudi riyals.The Quran brought me to MakkahSpeaking about his experience during the competition, Hafiz Nuruddin Zakaria said the Holy Quran had brought him from a small village to the holy city of Makkah.He described the opportunity to participate at the Grand Mosque alongside contestants from different countries as one of the greatest honours and most memorable achievements of his life.Zakaria’s achievement has brought recognition to Bangladesh at the international Quran competition. His success is also expected to inspire Quran education and madrasa communities in Bangladesh.