10-year-old Kenyan triumphs at International Qur’an competition in Tanzania
Amid thunderous chants of “Takbir, Allahu Akbar,” he was presented with his prize of US$8,000 (approximately Sh1 million) by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Badr Muhammad Al-Turki.
Ten-year-old Muhammad Said Zamzam from Kenya emerged as the winner of the 34th edition of the Tanzania International Holy Qur’an Award, which concluded on Sunday.
Amid thunderous chants of “Takbir, Allahu Akbar,” he was presented with his prize of US$8,000 (approximately Sh1 million) by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Badr Muhammad Al-Turki. The closing ceremony was held at the National Stadium in the capital, Dar es Salaam, before a large audience of more than 60,000 spectators.
Participants attending the Qur'an competition at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam
Suaid Abdul Fattah from Comoros, who received US$6,000, emerged in second place, while Ahmad Tamir Mamduh from Egypt came third and took home US$5,000.
The competition was sponsored by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, and organized by the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA).
It featured 26 contestants representing 26 countries, who competed in the memorization of all 30 parts of the Holy Qur’an.
The competition is recognized as one of the most prominent Qur’anic events, fostering talent and encouraging young people to engage with the Holy Qur’an through memorization and recitation.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, stated in a speech delivered on his behalf by an advisor at the ministry’s Agency for Islamic Affairs, Mohammed Al-Arifi, that hosting the Holy Qur’an competition underscores the Kingdom’s role in fulfilling its Islamic mission and building bridges of friendship and cooperation with other nations.
He explained that the ministry’s efforts include supporting international Qur’an competitions, overseeing the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, and implementing Dawah and educational programmes that promote the care and understanding of the Holy Qur’an and help spread its teachings and noble values worldwide.
Saudi Ambassador to Tanzania, Yahya Okeish, affirmed that the 34th Tanzania International Qur’an Memorization Award is one of Africa’s most prominent Qur’anic events, playing a vital role in encouraging memorizers and strengthening generational ties to the Holy Qur’an.
In his speech, Tanzania’s Mufti, Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ali, praised the Kingdom’s role in sponsoring such events. He also commended the high level of competition, emphasizing its mission to highlight exceptional young talent in Qur’anic memorization.