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Ekaha Beitate wins International Quran competition in Eastleigh

Ekaha Baitate, the overall winner receives his prize. He is flanked by Sheikh Abdirashid Ali Sufi, Defence CS Adan Bare Duale and Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

By Abdirahman Khalif | 27 Apr 2024

Umar Hussein from Egypt and Ahmad Abdulrahman from Iraq claimed the second and third positions, respectively.

The International Quran Competition, held in Eastleigh, concluded its fifth session with Ekaha Beitate from Mauritania emerging as the winner.

The event, which drew participants from 30 countries worldwide, showcased remarkable talent and dedication to the memorisation and recitation of the Quran.

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Ekaha's stellar performance secured him the first-place position, while Umar Hussein from Egypt and Ahmad Abdulrahman from Iraq claimed the second and third positions, respectively.

Ahmad Abdulrahman, who clinched third place, is visually impaired, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination in memorising the holy Quran.

Top Islamic ulamaas graced the event, including Jamia Mosque Imam Jamaludin Osman, renowned Qatar-based sheikh Abdirashid Ali Sufi, and the event organizer, Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Umal, Imam of Masjid Abubakar on Sixth Street.

The presence of distinguished guests such as Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Bare Duale emphasized the significance of the competition in promoting religious unity and cultural diversity.

In recognition of their achievements, Ekaha Beitate received a cash prize of $15,000, Umar Hussein $10,000, and Ahmad Abdulrahman $6,000.

The generous rewards reflect the worth attributed to Quran memorisation and mastery.

The competition also featured a women's category, with Ibtisam Mohamud from Garissa emerging as the overall winner. Mariam Sheikh and Hafsa Jamal, both from Nairobi, secured the second and third positions, respectively.

MP Yusuf commended all participants and organizers for their dedication and emphasized the significance of Quranic studies and memorisation within the Muslim community.
"Learning and memorizing the Quran is very important for us," stated Yusuf.

CS Aden echoed Hassan's sentiments, emphasizing Kenya's commitment to religious tolerance and cultural inclusivity.

"By supporting initiatives like the International Quran Competition, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting harmony and understanding among people of different faiths in Kenya and beyond," he said, emphasizing the event's role in fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

The three-day competition, held at Paradise Hall in Pumwani, served as a testament to the dedication and talent within the global Muslim community.

As participants showcased their proficiency in Quranic recitation and memorisation, they not only competed for top honours but also contributed to the promotion of religious harmony and cultural exchange.