Muslim World

Egyptian Christian Wins Free Umrah Trip in Quran Competition for Muslim Neighbor

23 August 2026 20:08 PM

NEWS DESK

An Egyptian Christian man has won a free Umrah pilgrimage by taking part in a Quran competition, with the sole intention of giving the prize to his Muslim neighbour and helping fulfil her long-held dream of performing Umrah.

According to a report by Sky News Arabia, the man, identified as Mina, came across an online livestream by Islamic preacher Dr Ayman Abu Omar. He noticed his neighbour participating in a Quran competition during the livestream, answering questions in the hope of winning an Umrah trip.

Despite being Christian, Mina decided to enter the religious competition himself.

“I participated in the Islamic religious competition even though I am Christian. My only goal was to win the opportunity for Umrah for my neighbour,” he said.

Mina said he told his neighbour, Umm Ali, that he would participate alongside her. His reasoning was that even if she failed to win, there would still be a chance for her to receive the prize through him.

He subsequently submitted more than 50 to 60 correct answers in an effort to increase his chances of being selected.

The strategy worked, and Mina won the free Umrah trip. Immediately after receiving the prize, he decided to give it to his neighbour.

Umm Ali said Mina’s participation in the competition attracted considerable attention. She was overwhelmed with emotion after learning that the Umrah trip had been secured for her.

She said performing Umrah had been a long-standing wish and that she had prayed to be given the opportunity while she was still physically healthy enough to travel and walk comfortably.

Recalling the moment he told her the news, Mina said he looked towards his neighbour’s house and saw Umm Ali wiping tears from her eyes.

“I did not know Umrah could be such a source of joy,” he said.

Mina said his relationship with Umm Ali and her family has lasted for more than two decades and has grown far beyond an ordinary neighbourly relationship.

He described Umm Ali as an elder sister and said he respects and cares for her parents as if they were members of his own family.

The story has attracted widespread attention on Egyptian social media, with many users praising Mina’s gesture as a heartwarming example of the strong bonds that can exist between Muslim and Christian neighbours.

Egyptian Christian Quran Competition Muslim Neighbor