How to Host an Inclusive Quran Bee

A Quran Bee is an engaging way to encourage participants, especially children and youth, to improve their memorisation, pronunciation, and understanding of the Quran. When designed and conducted thoughtfully, it can also be a powerful tool for community building and religious enrichment. However, ensuring that the event is inclusive requires deliberate planning and sensitive implementation. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide to organising an inclusive Quran Bee that welcomes and supports all participants, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or experiences.

Understanding Inclusivity in a Quran Bee

Inclusivity involves removing barriers so that everyone can participate on an equal footing. In the context of a Quran Bee, this means considering the diverse needs of participants, including:

• Children of different age groups
• Participants with disabilities (physical, sensory, or cognitive)
• Non-native Arabic speakers
• Participants from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Both genders in a way that aligns with Islamic etiquette

By consciously planning for these differences, organisers can create a respectful, accessible, and enriching environment for all.

Planning and Preparation

Establish Clear Objectives

Define what the competition aims to achieve. Objectives may include:

• Encouraging love for the Quran
• Improving Tajweed (pronunciation and articulation)
• Supporting understanding and retention
• Strengthening community bonds

Understanding these goals will help shape the structure, rules, and judging criteria of the Quran Bee.

Form an Inclusive Planning Committee

Bring together a diverse team that includes educators, community leaders, youth representatives, and individuals with experience in disability access or language support. This ensures that planning reflects a range of perspectives and needs.

Designing the Format

Age and Ability Categories

Divide participants into appropriate categories to ensure a fair competition environment. Categories can be based on:

• Age (e.g., under 7, 8–12, 13–17, and adult divisions)
• Level of memorisation (e.g., 1 Juz, 5 Ajzaa, or complete Quran)
• Language fluency or Tajweed proficiency level

By tiering competitions, participants are not judged unfairly against those with substantially different skill levels or experience.

Flexible Participation Options

Offer multiple forms of participation to include those who may face challenges attending in person or speaking publicly. Options can include:

• Virtual participation with proper security and adjudication protocols
• Pre-recorded video submissions for those with speech impairments or anxiety
• Reading from a Mushaf as an alternative to memorised recitation for certain levels

Providing options makes the event more accessible to a wider group of participants.

Accessibility Considerations

Venue Accessibility

Choose a venue that is physically accessible, featuring:

• Wheelchair access at the entrance and within the venue
• Clearly marked accessible toilets and ablution facilities
• Sound systems and visual displays for those with hearing or vision impairments

If the event is hybrid or online, ensure digital platforms used are compatible with screen readers and offer captioning or live transcription.

Communication Support

Consider offering appropriate support services such as:

• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters for deaf participants
• Printed materials in Braille or large text formats
• Translated instructions or Quranic passages for non-Arabic speakers
• Audio aids or volunteers trained in supporting neurodivergent participants

Advance communication about the availability of these services will help participants prepare accordingly.

Promoting the Event Inclusively

An inclusive Quran Bee should be clearly advertised in a way that reflects its inclusive nature. Use accessible language and a variety of platforms, including community bulletin boards, social media, and local faith organisations. Ensure promotional materials explicitly mention:

• Multiple participation formats
• Language and disability-friendly options
• Support available on-site or online

Visual materials should sensitively reflect gender, ability, and cultural diversity where possible.

Judging Criteria and Panels

Transparent and Clear Criteria

Publish scoring rubrics in advance, explaining how recitation will be evaluated based on:

• Tajweed accuracy
• Pronunciation and articulation (Makharij)
• Fluency and rhythm
• Memorisation accuracy

For participants with special needs, consider adjusted criteria to reflect effort and improvement without compromising the integrity of the Quranic teachings.

Diverse Judging Panel

A qualified panel should consist of judges who are not only skilled in Quranic recitation but who are also familiar with inclusive practices. When possible, include:

• Male and female judges
• Judges representing different linguistic or ethnic backgrounds
• At least one judge or advisor experienced in disability inclusion

Train all judges in unconscious bias to ensure fair assessment for all participants, particularly those who diverge from expected norms due to disability or language background.

Creating a Respectful Environment

Dress Code and Etiquette Guidelines

Provide clear instructions on the dress code and behavioural expectations in accordance with Islamic values. Ensure the guidance is culturally sensitive and considers those new to Islamic practices or with limited resources to acquire traditional garments.

Safe Space for Participation

Establish a code of conduct for all participants, judges, and visitors that emphasises:

• Respectful listening during recitations
• Zero tolerance for mocking or criticism of accents, disabilities, or mistakes
• Private feedback rather than public correction

Encourage a reward-based mindset where progress and character are lauded alongside technical skill.

Support During the Event

Volunteer Roles

Assign volunteers specific support tasks, such as:

• Guiding visually impaired participants
• Managing quiet zones for those overwhelmed by noise or crowds
• Helping children navigate the competition day’s logistics

Provide volunteer training centred on inclusivity, sensitivity, and problem-solving.

Parental and Guardian Involvement

Allow family members or guardians to accompany young or vulnerable participants backstage to reduce anxiety. Offer a comfortable waiting area where they can follow the event program if space inside the main venue is limited.

Prizes and Recognition

Recognise effort as well as achievement. Inclusive Quran Bees can feature:

• Certificates for all participants
• Special recognition for perseverance, improvement, or community spirit
• Age- and ability-appropriate gifts or trophies

This approach affirms the spiritual and personal growth participants undergo, beyond competition rankings.

Post-Event Feedback and Improvement

Gather feedback anonymously from participants, families, and volunteers to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Consider questions such as:

• Did you feel welcomed and respected?
• Was the event accessible to you or your child?
• What changes would make future events more inclusive?

Regularly update policies, venue logistics, and judging approaches in response to this feedback, ensuring continuous improvement over time.

Final Thoughts

Hosting an inclusive Quran Bee is a meaningful way to ensure that all members of the Muslim community can share in the beauty and purpose of Quranic engagement. By anticipating participant needs, facilitating diverse modes of participation, and cultivating a respectful atmosphere, organisers can create an experience that uplifts and connects all involved.

If you need help with your Quran competition platform or marking tools, email info@qurancompetitions.tech.