Brunei launched the 2026 National Preliminary Round of the Quran Memorization and Understanding Competition on Tuesday, with the preliminary sessions running through September 29.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), the competition is being held at Levels 7 and 8 of the MABIMS Al-Quran Studies and Dissemination Centre at Block 2H, Ong Sum Ping Condominium, Jalan Ong Sum Ping.

The competition reflects the prominent role of Islam in Brunei Darussalam, where Islam is the official religion and is practiced by the majority of the population. According to the country’s 2021 census, 362,035 people, or 82.1 percent of the population, were Muslim. Christians accounted for 6.7 percent, Buddhists 6.3 percent, and other religions or people reporting no religious beliefs 4.9 percent. The census recorded a total population of 440,715.

Brunei, a small Southeast Asian sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo, gained full independence in 1984. Malay is the official language, while English is also widely spoken. The country’s Islamic identity is reflected in its religious institutions, education system, and national programs, including initiatives promoting Quran memorization and understanding.