Mogadishu (AX)
In many corners of the world, the celebration of youth and their achievements manifests in various forms. In Somalia, this celebration takes on a spiritual and intellectual tone through the national Holy Quran Competition, an annual event that vividly captures the essence of faith, education, and cultural heritage.
On a serene evening marking the end of Ramadan, adorned in the traditional serenity of the holy month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took center stage to honor this year’s champions of Quranic recitation and memorization. The air was thick with anticipation, as it often is when excellence is about to be recognized and celebrated. The President, with a heartfelt smile that spoke to his hopes for the future of Somalia, handed the award to Abdirahman Abdullahi Osman, whose mastery earned him the prestigious first prize of $20,000.
But who are these young laureates, and what drives them toward such a profound accomplishment? Behind their poised articulation of sacred verses lies countless hours of dedication, driven by an unyielding pursuit of spiritual growth. Zakariye Abdullahi Hassan Rooble, who secured the second position with a $15,000 reward, and Osman Abdullahi Osman, Aaisha Aden Mohamed, Abdirahman Ali Hussein, Osama Yusuf Farhan, and Ibrahim Abdirahman Ibrahim, who followed closely, share this relentless spirit. Their rewards ranged from $10,000 to $2,000, a testament to their dedication, resilience, and love for the divine scripture.
The President’s speech was more than just a formality; it was a stirring affirmation of the cultural and spiritual wealth embedded in Somali society. “This event,” he said, “reflects the Somali people’s unwavering dedication to Islamic teachings and shines a light on the government’s crucial role in nurturing future generations of scholars.” His words painted a vision, a map for the future where religious values stitch together the fabric of national unity.
The President’s acknowledgment of parents, teachers, and mentors brought a personal touch to the evening’s proceedings. “May God bless them and grant these young scholars wisdom to serve both their faith and their country,” he implored. This sentiment underscored an appreciation for those who have nurtured these young reciters—often behind the scenes—in their pursuit of knowledge. Consider a classroom radiating with the energy of eager minds or a family home where words of encouragement ripple through daily conversations. These are the humble settings where future scholars and leaders first unfurl their wings.
The Holy Quran Competition, held annually during the sacred month of Ramadan, is more than just an event; it is a flourishing garden where religious fervor meets the pursuit of academic excellence, and the community gathers to celebrate a shared identity. Imagine the months leading up to the competition—a patchwork of study sessions, community support, and personal victories that culminate in this shared moment of communal pride. It begs the question: How does one measure success in such an intimate and profound endeavor? Is it in the melody of the recitations that echo through a hall, or the silent, transformative journey each participant undergoes?
In a world caught in the whirlwinds of constant change, moments like these offer an anchor, grounding communities in traditions that bind them to their past and propel them toward a future enriched by knowledge and faith.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
