Can Social Media Help Normalise Quran Competitions?

In recent years, Quran competitions have become increasingly prominent in many parts of the world. These events, which celebrate the memorisation, recitation, and understanding of the Quran, serve as both educational and spiritual occasions. Traditionally held in mosques, Islamic centres, and community halls, these competitions are gaining renewed visibility thanks to digital technology and, more specifically, social media platforms. As participation widens and digital sharing becomes second nature to many, one question arises: can social media help normalise Quran competitions?

This article aims to explore the intersection of Islamic educational traditions and modern communication technologies, with a particular focus on how social media can influence the perception, reach, and cultural acceptance of Quran competitions.

Understanding Quran Competitions

Quran competitions are structured events that test a participant’s ability to recite or memorise passages of the Quran accurately and melodiously. Such competitions take different formats and are often categorised by age groups, levels of memorisation (such as 5, 10, or 30 Juz), and additional evaluation criteria including tajweed (rules of pronunciation and recitation) and voice quality.

They are held at local, regional, national, and even international levels, including prestigious events such as:

• The King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition (Saudi Arabia)
• Dubai International Holy Quran Award (UAE)
• International Quran Recitation Competition (Malaysia)
• National-level school competitions in various countries

Despite their religious significance and educational value, Quran competitions have often remained contained within faith communities. Limited media coverage and general public unfamiliarity have prevented them from becoming a normalised part of broader cultural and educational landscapes. Here, social media comes into focus as a potentially transformative tool.

The Influence of Social Media on Niche Activities

Social media platforms have become powerful tools for giving visibility to causes, activities, and communities that previously existed on the margins of public discourse. Activities such as digital art, traditional crafts, niche sports, and interfaith dialogue have all benefitted from the discovery-based nature of platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter (now known as X).

By leveraging social media, niche interests gain traction in the following ways:

• Accessibility and Visibility: Content-sharing platforms allow people to view, learn about, and engage with events they may not otherwise encounter.
• Community Engagement: Social media creates spaces for discussion, encouragement, and positive feedback, sustaining participant motivation and encouraging diversity.
• Content Virality: Short, impactful content (such as powerful recitations) can go ‘viral’, introducing Quran competitions to wider audiences.
• Breaking Stereotypes: Videos and stories challenge assumptions about Muslims and Islamic practices, especially in non-Muslim countries.

Under this framework, Quran competitions have the potential to benefit in similar ways — encouraging engagement, improving accessibility, combating marginalisation, and fostering global appreciation.

How Social Media is Already Being Used in Quran Competitions

Even without formal marketing campaigns, social media has gradually become part of the infrastructure surrounding Quran competitions. Organisers, participants, and supporters are incorporating platforms in diverse ways:

Live Streaming and Recording

Most notably, competitions are now being streamed live on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram to reach families and supporters around the world. These recordings are often archived, enabling participants to watch their own performances and learn from others.

Highlight Reels and Short-Form Videos

Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels are used to share captivating clips of recitations, top performances, and moments of high emotion, such as award announcements or touching responses from young participants. These short form videos have the potential to reach non-traditional audiences who may have limited exposure to Islam.

Interviews and Testimonials

Participants and judges are sometimes featured in short interviews in which they speak about their preparation, the meaning of Quranic verses, or their personal journeys. These humanise the competition and make the experience relatable, helping to foster interest and emotional connection.

Educational Content and Infographics

Some organisers use social media to post helpful reminders about tajweed principles, tips for memorising, or information about different Quranic qira’at (recitation styles). These make Quran competitions educational for followers, even if they are not participants themselves.

Global Participation Campaigns

Hashtag-based campaigns and online registration systems allow competitions to reach an international audience. This is particularly useful for virtual contests, where video submissions may be judged remotely. Social media also helps track outcomes and celebrate winners from diverse locations.

Potential Benefits of Social Media in Normalising Quran Competitions

If used strategically, social media could contribute significantly to normalising Quran competitions in several ways:

• Cultural Visibility: Regular exposure to recitation contests on social platforms can make them a familiar part of online content ecosystems, especially for younger generations.
• Youth Engagement: Platforms resonate strongly with youth audiences, who may feel more encouraged to participate when they see peers engaging in similar events.
• Changing Public Perceptions: By sharing quality snippets and stories, social media can help position Quran competitions not only as religious, but also as valuable educational and artistic activities.
• Encouragement and Recognition: Participants who might not reach winning positions at formal ceremonies can still gain personal recognition online, helping to sustain their enthusiasm and motivation.

In this sense, social media does not just serve as a medium for broadcasting; it also acts as a tool for reshaping narratives, encouraging inclusivity, and diversifying what is seen as culturally normal or acceptable.

The Challenges of Relying on Social Media

Despite its many benefits, social media presents some risks and limitations when it comes to Quran competitions:

Superficial Engagement

Likes and shares can encourage visibility, but they may not translate into deeper understanding or sustained participation. There is a concern that aesthetic elements, such as background music or dramatic editing, could distract from the spiritual purpose of the competition.

Privacy and Consent

Participants — particularly young children — may be uncomfortable with their performances being posted online. Parent or guardian consent is essential, and cultural sensitivities must be respected.

Cultural Misinterpretation

Because social media is international, content may be viewed by audiences unfamiliar with Islamic traditions. This opens the possibility of misunderstandings or misrepresentations, especially in the comment sections of public posts.

Pressure and Performance Anxiety

The visibility provided by social media can also increase pressure on participants, causing stress and performance issues. In some cases, this might discourage rather than encourage involvement.

Best Practices for Using Social Media Effectively

To strengthen the positive impact of social media while mitigating its risks, organisers and communities involved in Quran competitions may consider the following approaches:

• Content Planning: Share clips with clear context and educational framing. Captioning verses and explaining their meaning can make videos more accessible and informative.
• Consent Management: Ensure permissions are secured for all participants, with a clear option to opt out of social media distribution.
• Platform Matching: Use platforms according to their strengths. Instagram and TikTok are suitable for short, visual content, while YouTube can host longer, educational videos and full competition recitals.
• Inclusive Representation: Showcase participants with diverse accents, backgrounds, genders, and ages to reflect the inclusive spirit of Quran competitions.
• Partner with Educators: Collaboration with Islamic teachers, schools, and educational influencers can enhance credibility and broaden reach.

Conclusion

While Quran competitions have always held significance within Muslim communities, their broader normalisation in cultural and educational landscapes remains a work in progress. Social media offers a powerful set of tools that can amplify these events, foster greater youth engagement, educate the public, and challenge misconceptions. However, like any tool, social media comes with its own challenges, which must be navigated thoughtfully and ethically.

If embraced with care and creativity, social media can indeed help make Quran competitions a more visible, appreciated, and celebrated part of global religious and cultural life.

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