UK military chaplain leads team in international Quran memorisation competition
Imam Ali Omar arrived in Saudi Arabia to coach British Army personnel in an international military Quran memorisation tournament
CONINGSBY, UK (MNTV) – Imam Ali Omar, a chaplain at Royal Air Force (RAF) Coningsby, led a team of U.K. army personnel to compete in the Prince Sultan International Military Quran Memorisation Competition, held in Saudi Arabia.
The competition, which gathers military teams from across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, challenges participants to memorise entire chapters of the Quran and recite specific passages to a panel of judges.
The Prince Sultan International Military Quran Memorisation Competition was attended by 179 participants from 32 countries.
Imam Ali, who coaches a team of three British Army personnel, explained the difficulty of the task.
“The judge selects a point in one of the chapters and asks you to recite from that point onwards. It’s not just about memory; it’s about clarity and performance as well,” Imam Ali said.
“For example, several accounts of Moses appear in the Quran, and you must know the text and be able to distinguish between them when asked to recite,” he added.
Safe space for all
RAF Coningsby Chaplains, including Imam Ali, provide a vital service to Station personnel and their families, offering emotional and spiritual support around the clock.
“Our Chaplains offer thoughtful pastoral care and are always available to listen, no matter the individual’s belief or creed,” said Reverend Wing Commander Ian Brown, the Senior Chaplain at RAF Coningsby.
Imam Ali’s participation in the competition is seen as a reflection of the inclusive spirit at RAF Coningsby, where members of all faiths are supported.
The UK’s presence in the Prince Sultan International Military Quran Memorisation Competition is a rare and significant development.
“In previous competitions, other participants have been surprised to see Muslims in the UK Armed Forces and that we would have an Imam or Padre,” Imam Ali shared.
“It’s an honour to take part, and I feel immense pride representing both myself and the UK Armed Forces,” he said.
Group Captain Paul O’Grady, Station Commander at RAF Coningsby, expressed his appreciation for Imam Ali’s role. “We are grateful to have Imam Ali here. His deep knowledge and commitment to the teachings of the Quran are evident in his work with our team. We wish him every success in the competition.”
Imam Ali’s leadership and guidance in the competition highlight his dedication to both his faith and his service to the UK Armed Forces.
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