The first phase of the qualifiers for the international Holy Quran and call to prayer (adhan) competition in Otr Elkalam (Scent of Speech) TV show witnessed rivalries in which the letters of revelation were manifested through captivating recitations and participations based on a good performance. 36 contestants from all over the world competed in the Holy Quran recitation and call to prayer branches, and 12 contestants from each branch qualified for the quarter-final.
The first stage witnessed many competitions between contestants who recite the Quran with the passion of their hearts and with all their senses, displaying the charisma of the voices that appealed to the hearts of viewers from all over the world.
The criteria of the competition for passing to the quarter-final included proficiency in the performance, good rotation between maqams, length of the breath, understanding the language and knowing what is appropriate for each position, whether while reciting the Holy Quran or delivering the call to prayer.
Many contestants who qualified for the quarter-final revealed their eagerness to continue the success they achieved in the previous phase, expressing their willingness to take on new challenges that would bring them closer to competing for the top positions in the competition, noting the importance of the role of the members of the jury in improving their levels through their precise observations and advice, which represents an approach and a direct path to reciting the Holy Quran and delivering the call to prayer in the correct ways.
12 participants for each category of recitation and call to prayer qualified for the quarter-final. The competition continues until 6 participants from each category qualify for the semi-final. In the final part of the competition, the best 4 reciters and 4 muezzins qualify for the final, and each participant is then subjected to the last test before the jury announces the names of the winners in each category.
It is noteworthy that Otr Elkalam TV show is broadcast daily during Ramadan on the Saudia TV channel and the Shahid platform. This religious competition, which is sponsored by the General Entertainment Authority, is the largest of its kind in terms of financial prizes, amounting to SAR12 million ($3.2 million), with the aim of spreading Quranic knowledge.