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Welcome Note


Islam Channel introduced the first televised NQC for kids aimed at youngsters between the ages of 4 to 18. From its launch in 2005 the competition has captured the hearts of the British Muslims and has created an inspirational and motivational event for the youngsters from all backgrounds. This programme was designed with a competitive element, which would encourage youngsters to improve their recitation of the Qur'an and learn the art of Tajweed. It also enabled youngsters to compete at a national level and win prizes for their efforts.

From its very first LIVE programme, NQC was a popular hit amongst the youngsters in UK. Through live participation via live phone calls into the studio, in its first series over 1000 youngsters competed across the country to reach the final, which was held at the Global Peace and Unity event at Excel in 2005.

The programme is organized in a very simple format to allow youngsters to participate and understand the rules of the competition. The series runs for 40 weeks in the year.

Every series is divided into five stages;
1. Round 1- Live phone participation stage – 18 weeks

This stage allows all viewers to call in and participate during a 90-minute live programme. The programme starts with a bite-size 10-minute lesson on one topic of Tajweed by the regular Judge. Participants are required to identify a particular section of the Qur’an by correct name and recite over the phone for 1 minute. The Judge takes down notes on the participant’s performance for feedback. In any one programme between 30 and 50 live participants are introduced. At the end of the programme a maximum of 2, or in some cases none, are chosen to go through to the next stage – which is round 2. generic feedback is given by the Judge to all participants. The same participants, except those who are through to round 2 are permitted to try again the following week. This stage continues for 18 weeks until 36 winners are through to the next stage.

2. Round 2 – Live studio participation – 12 weeks


In this round, the 36 winners from the telephone round are organised into groups of 3 (taking into account age and gender). Each group of 3 are invited into the studio to compete during a 90-minute programme. Participants are advised in advance by letter / e-mail what they have to prepare for and given a minimum of two weeks notice before the live show. In this round, participants are required to;

  • Prepare a 3-minute recitation from three sections of the Qur’an, divided into (Juz 1-10, 11-20, 21-30). Participants are only made aware of which section during the live programme.
  • Prepare a 3 minute recitation in Tarteel
  • Prepare a 5-minute recitation and English translation from three sections of the Qur’an, divided into (Juz 1-10, 11-20, 21-30). Participants are only made aware of which section during the live programme.
  • Answer three questions on tajweed, which are based on their recitation on the day.

From this round only one from the three participants is declared the winner and put through to the next round – the quarter finals.

3. Quarter Finals Round - Live studio participation – 6 weeks


In this round, the 12 winners from the telephone round are organised into groups of 3 (taking into account age and gender). Each group of two are invited into the studio to compete during a 60-minute programme. Participants are advised in advance by letter / e-mail what they have to prepare for and given a minimum of two weeks notice before the live show. In this round, participants are required to;

  • Prepare a 3 minute recitation in Tarteel.
  • Prepare a 5-minute recitation and English translation from three sections of the Qur’an, divided into (Juz 1-10, 11-20, 21-30). Participants are only made aware of which section during the live programme.
  • Prepare and deliver a 5 minute Khutbah.
  • Answer three questions on tajweed, which are based on their recitation on the day.

4. Semi-Finals Round - Live studio participation – 3 weeks


In this round, the 6 winners from the telephone round are organised into groups of 2 (taking into account age and gender). Each group of two are invited into the studio to compete during a 60-minute programme. Participants are advised in advance by letter / e-mail what they have to prepare for and given a minimum of two weeks notice before the live show. In this round, participants are required to;

  • Prepare a 3 minute recitation in Tarteel.
  • Prepare a 5-minute recitation and English translation from three sections of the Qur’an, divided into (Juz 1-10, 11-20, 21-30). Participants are only made aware of which section during the live programme.
  • Prepare and deliver a 5 minute Khutbah
  • Answer three questions on tajweed, which are based on their recitation on the day.
  • Participant is required to prepare a dua in Arabic and English lasting no more than 2 minutes.

5. Grande Final – LIVE at Global Peace & Unity Event – Excel


The final consisting of 3 finalists takes place live on the big stage at the Global Peace and Unity Event. This final lasts 60 minutes.

  • Prepare a 3 minute recitation in Tarteel
  • Prepare a 5-minute recitation and English translation.
  • Prepare and deliver a 5 minute Khutbah
  • Participants are required to prepare a dua in Arabic and English lasting no more than two minutes.