Judging criteria

Judging criteria

Judging at AAQC is conducted by qualified scholars and recognised huffadh. The criteria below reflect both the technical and spiritual dimensions of Qur'anic recitation — precision in memorisation and presence in delivery.

The judging approach

Judges at AAQC do not simply mark right or wrong. Their role is to assess the full quality of a recitation — from the accuracy of what is memorised, to the manner in which it is delivered.

Judging is conducted with a commitment to fairness, consistency and the adab befitting the Qur'an. All scores are final once the judging panel has deliberated.

Assessment criteria
Assessment Criteria

What You Will Be Assessed On

Understanding how participants are evaluated during the competition.

95%
Memorisation & Tajwid

Tajwid deductions

Errors in Waqf & Ibtidā', pronunciation, or rule violations.

Memorisation deductions

Faltering, long pauses, or excessive repetition.

5%
Performance

Vocal quality

Clarity, tone and pleasantness of the voice.

Confidence

Poise and conviction during recitation.

Important Notes

Judges may not notify participants of minor Tajwid mistakes during recitation.
Final scores between participants can be very close and may differ by only fractions of a point.
Results reflect performance on the day and are not an assessment of a participant's overall Qur'an mastery.
The primary goal is personal growth and strengthening one's connection with the Qur'an.
Judging process

How the judging session works

01

Beginning the recitation

Participants are called by name and directed to the recitation area. Please arrive early and be ready before your allocated session.

02

During the recitation

Judges will follow along and note any errors in tajwīd, pronunciation, or memorisation. Mistakes will be indicated to the participant during the recitation and recorded towards the final score.

03

Completion & scoring

Scores are reviewed privately by the panel and announced at the designated stage of the competition.

A note on integrity

AAQC holds the integrity of the competition to the highest standard. Any attempt to deceive — whether during registration or recitation — may result in immediate disqualification.

Judges' decisions are final. Reviews are only considered in cases of clear procedural error.

Common questions

Do I need to prepare specific verses?

Participants may be asked to recite from anywhere within their registered portion to reflect genuine memorisation.

How will I know my score?

Scores are not shared live. Results are announced at the relevant stage of the competition.

Can a judging decision be reviewed?

Reviews are only considered in cases of clear procedural error, not disagreement with scores.

Will my recitation be recorded?

Yes. Recitations may be recorded for judging, documentation and promotional purposes.

Judging criteria

Judging at AAQC is conducted by qualified scholars and recognised huffadh. The criteria below reflect both the technical and spiritual dimensions of Qur'anic recitation — precision in memorisation and presence in delivery.

The judging approach

Judges at AAQC do not simply mark right or wrong. Their role is to assess the full quality of a recitation — from the accuracy of what is memorised, to the manner in which it is delivered.

Judging is conducted with a commitment to fairness, consistency and the adab befitting the Qur'an. All scores are final once the judging panel has deliberated.

What you will be assessed on

Understanding how participants are evaluated during the competition.

Core grading system

Memorisation & Tajwid Performance
95% 5%

Memorisation & Tajwid criteria

  • Tajwid deductions: Errors in Waqf & Ibtidā', pronunciation, or rule violations.
  • Memorisation deductions: Faltering, long pauses, or excessive repetition.

Performance criteria

  • Vocal quality: Clarity, tone and pleasantness of the voice.
  • Confidence: Poise and conviction during recitation.

Important notes

Judges may not notify participants of minor Tajwid mistakes during recitation.
Final scores between participants can be very close and may differ by only fractions of a point.
Results reflect performance on the day and are not an assessment of a participant's overall Qur'an mastery.
The primary goal is personal growth and strengthening one's connection with the Qur'an.

How the judging session works

Before

Before you begin

Participants are called by name and directed to the recitation area. Please arrive early and be ready before your allocated session.

During

During the recitation

Judges will follow along and note any errors in tajwīd, pronunciation, or memorisation. Mistakes will be indicated to the participant during the recitation and recorded towards the final score.

After

After the recitation

Scores are reviewed privately by the panel and announced at the designated stage of the competition.

A note on integrity

AAQC holds the integrity of the competition to the highest standard. Any attempt to deceive — whether during registration or recitation — may result in immediate disqualification.

Judges' decisions are final. Reviews are only considered in cases of clear procedural error.

Common questions

Do I need to prepare specific verses?

Participants may be asked to recite from anywhere within their registered portion to reflect genuine memorisation.

How will I know my score?

Scores are not shared live. Results are announced at the relevant stage of the competition.

Can a judging decision be reviewed?

Reviews are only considered in cases of clear procedural error, not disagreement with scores.

Will my recitation be recorded?

Yes. Recitations may be recorded for judging, documentation and promotional purposes.

Qualified scholars and recognised huffadh

Judging panels are composed of qualified huffadh and scholars with recognised ijāzah in recitation, ensuring integrity and excellence throughout the competition.

Meet the judging panel
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