Umrah trip tops prizes at Jamia Mosque Qur’an Competition

A lifetime journey to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to Makkah, was the grand prize for the winner of this year’s Jamia Mosque Qur’an Memorization Competition.

Abdirazak Abdi Ibrahim from Kajiado Hills Integrated Academy emerged as the overall winner at the 15th edition of the competition, which celebrates excellence in Qur’an memorization. In addition to the Umrah trip, he received a cash prize of Sh150,000.

His teacher, Abdulaziz Maalim Muhammad, was also awarded an Umrah package sponsored by Nairobi-based travel firm, Senator Travels Limited in recognition of his dedication to instilling Qur’anic values in his students.

The closely contested competition saw Mukhtar Muhammad Ahmed from Manaahil Educational Centre and Ahmed Muhammad Hili from Al Huffadh tie in second place. Each received Sh135,000.

In the 15 Ajzaa (chapters) category, Khadar Sharif Abukar from Rowdhatul Ridhwan claimed the top position and took home Sh120,000. Muadh Abdi Ibrahim from Ma’hadul Banin won the 10 Ajzaa category, while Hilaal Ali Muhammad, also from Ma’hadul Banin, emerged victorious in the 5 Ajzaa category.

The Jamia Mosque Treasurer Billow Kerrow presents a prize to Muadh Abdi Ibrahim who emerged the winner in the 10 chapter category

This year’s competition — the most significant annual da’wah event on the Jamia Mosque calendar — concluded on Thursday, February 19, attracting 85 participants from six counties across the country.

The annual event is organized through a partnership between the Jamia Mosque Committee and the Religious Attaché of the Saudi Arabian Embassy.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Jamia Mosque Vice Chairman Prof. Abdullatif Essajee commended participants for their noble efforts in committing the Book of Allah to memory. He described their dedication as a testament to their strong bond with the Qur’an.

He urged Qur’an teachers to incorporate Arabic language studies into their curriculum to enhance learners’ understanding of the holy text.

“We need to understand that the Qur’an is guidance for mankind, and this underscores the importance of understanding its meaning,” he said. “You can only benefit from its guidance if you comprehend its sublime message.”

A section of the worshippers at the prize giving event

Echoing these sentiments, Jamia Mosque Da’wah Convener Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome called on teachers to cultivate deeper understanding of the Qur’an among their students, describing it as a guiding light in all aspects of a Muslim’s life.

“We have the Qur’an on our shelves and in our hearts, but many do not put its teachings into practice because they lack understanding of its message,” he said.

He emphasized that the Qur’an is not an ordinary book of literature; its message must be understood, reflected upon, and contextualized. He added that proper understanding fosters good moral conduct (akhlaq) and helps prevent misinterpretation of its teachings.

The Imam of Jamia Mosque Sheikh Jamaldin Osman also urged Muslims to improve their recitation through proper observance of tajweed — the rules governing Qur’anic recitation — noting that correct recitation strengthens one’s connection with the Qur’an and enriches daily life.