Ruling on Qur’an memorization competitions

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Q 5: What is the ruling on receiving a prize in a Qur’an memorization competition? Is it permissible to organize a Qur’an memorization competition for women and appoint a committee of men to judge the winner or is this a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) that could lead to Fitnah (temptation)? Is it permissible in the first place to hold a competition in this regard?

A: (1) There is no offense in this and no difference between men and women in this regard.(2) There is no offense, but the women must not be soft in their speech. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) commands, saying: O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allâh), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner. They must also wear the prescribed Islamic Hijab (veil), and the competition must not involve any Khulwah (being alone with a member of the opposite sex) with an Ajnaby (a man other than a husband or unmarriageable male relatives).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.