Somalia President Hassan Sheikh awards winners of national Qur'an competition
This year's winner was Abdirahman Abdullahi Osman from Southwest State who took home the first cash prize of about Sh2.5 million.
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday evening awarded cash prizes to students who emerged winners in a national Qur'an recital competition organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowment, with the winner walking away with approximately Sh2.5 million.
The holy Qur'an recital competition tests the best students who have memorised the 114 chapters of the Qur'an.
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This year's winner was Abdirahman Abdullahi Osman from Southwest State who took home the first cash prize.
The second-best student, Zakaria Abdullahi Hassan from Galmudug State, received around Sh1.9 million, Osman Abdullahi Osman from Hirshabele State got approximately Sh1.28 million while Aisha Adan Mohamed, the best female student from Banaadir Region, came fourth and took home around Sh895,000.
Around Sh8 million (USD 62,000) was splashed out in cash prizes to the seven top students. The money was paid by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowment. To these children and their families, the cash prizes can change their lives for good especially those from poor families.
Speaking when he presented the cash prizes to the winners at the State House in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Hassan praised the youngsters and urged them to continue adhering to Islamic teachings for a better future.
Iftar dinner
He was joined by students, teachers, clerics and Ministry of Religious Affairs officials for the Iftar dinner hosted by his office.
“I want to thank the parents and siblings of these youngsters for encouraging them to follow the true teachings of Islam and working hard to ensure their children learn the holy Qur’an. You are good parents and May Allah bless you, I also want to thank the teachers and students for the hard work,” President Hassan said.
He reiterated the government’s responsibility to develop, protect and encourage the principles of good Islamic practises like Qur’an recitations and the development of Islamic studies amongst the youth for better upbringing.
Participants from Galmudug, Hirshabele, Jubaland, Khaatumo, Southwest States and Banaadir Region participated in this year’s Somalia’s national Qur’an competition normally held in the holy month of Ramadan.
The event was also graced by the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowment Sheikh Mukhtar Robow who thanked the participants for their enthusiasm and talents and wished them all the best in their studies.
Qur'an competitions are often held during the holy month of Ramadan which is the month in which it was received by Prophet Mohamed (PBUH). Such competitions are aimed at encouraging the young to memorise the holy Qur'an and follow the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH).
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