ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has underscored the importance of nurturing a culture of reading, memorising and respecting the Holy Qur’an among young people as a foundation for building a morally upright and united society.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks during the National Holy Qur’an Competition organised by the Aisha Sururu Foundation in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
The event brought together participants from various regions of Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, promoting Qur’anic scholarship, while strengthening national unity.
He commended the foundation for consistently organising the annual competition, describing it as an important platform for instilling love for the Qur’an among the youth and strengthening their faith.
The president also expressed appreciation to the Muslim Council of Tanzania, BAKWATA for its cooperation in ensuring the event’s success.
Dr Mwinyi praised teachers, sheikhs and judges for their dedication in preparing participants and ensuring the competition was conducted with fairness and integrity, noting that such efforts contribute directly to building a disciplined and cohesive society.
Taking advantage of the gathering, he reminded Muslims to intensify acts of worship during the Holy Month of Ramadan and to uphold values of compassion and generosity by supporting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and orphans.
“Such actions bring blessings, strengthen love and promote peace within communities,” he said.
The competition featured memorisation of various sections of the Qur’an, Juzuu 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30, for both male and female participants, including special groups.
Said Rashid Bakari from Dar es Salaam emerged the winner in the Juzuu 30 category and was awarded 5m/-.
A special award was also presented in honour of the late Ali Hassan Mwinyi. President Mwinyi received the award on behalf of his family, recognising the late leader’s contribution to promoting and supporting Qur’anic education.
The ceremony was attended by Mama Mariam Mwinyi, religious leaders, sponsors, participants and members of the public.
For many young contestants, the competition was not merely about prizes but a moment of pride, faith and unity, reflecting the enduring role of religious values in shaping the nation’s future.
Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Minister for Information, Arts, Culture and Sports, Dr Riziki Pembe Juma has called on residents and visitors to respect the sanctity of the Holy Month of Ramadan by refraining from eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours.
In a special statement issued ahead of Ramadan, the minister emphasised the importance of preserving Zanzibar’s cultural and religious values throughout the sacred month, urging the public to uphold discipline, modesty and mutual respect.
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“During this holy month, we urge everyone to respect the feelings of those who are fasting by avoiding eating, drinking or smoking openly during the day,” the statement read.
Dr Juma also discouraged behaviour that may undermine public morals, including inappropriate dressing, the use of abusive language and the playing of loud music during fasting hours.
She encouraged residents to use the month to strengthen acts of worship, promote peace and harmony and extend support to vulnerable groups, including the poor and people with disabilities.
In addition, she called on parents, religious leaders and community members to guide young people on the importance of observing good conduct during Ramadan.
Zanzibar, where the majority of residents are Muslim, traditionally observes Ramadan with heightened community awareness and adherence to religious customs.
Authorities routinely issue reminders each year to maintain respect for the holy month.