ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi has praised the International Holy Quran competition as a powerful platform for strengthening love for the Quran, nurturing moral values among youth and raising Tanzania’s profile on the global stage.
Alhaji Dr Mwinyi made the remarks yesterday, during the grand international contest held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The high-profile event was organised by Al Hikma Foundation and brought together participants from across the world.
Addressing thousands of spectators, religious leaders and dignitaries, Dr Mwinyi said the competition has become one of the most prestigious Islamic events globally, attracting contestants from different continents and showcasing the growing standards of Quran recitation and memorisation.
“These competitions are not merely about winning,” he said.
“They are a platform to uphold our nation’s dignity, promote strong moral foundations among young people and reinforce faith-based values in society.”
The president also used the occasion to preach peace and unity, urging Tanzanians to continue safeguarding harmony and stability in the country.
The competition featured contestants from various countries across multiple continents, reflecting exceptional mastery of Tajweed (rules of Quranic recitation) and Hifdh (memorisation).
International judges and renowned reciters ensured strict adherence to global standards, further elevating the event’s credibility and international recognition.
Dr Mwinyi congratulated all participants for their remarkable dedication, noting that their achievements were the result of personal commitment, guidance from teachers and support from families and sponsoring institutions.
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“The Quran is light and guidance for humanity,” he said.
“It is our collective responsibility to encourage its recitation, deepen our understanding of its teachings and apply them in our daily lives to build a nation founded on morality, unity and patriotism.”
He also commended Al Hikma Foundation and its sponsors for successfully organising what he described as a historic and well-coordinated global event.
The top five winners of the international Quran competition were: Abdulrahman Yasin (13), Uganda, who scored 97 per cent and was awarded 12,000 US dollars (about 30.5m/-) and the second was Mohamed Mustafa (20) from Canada, who scored 96.5 per cent and was awarded 8,000 US dollars (about 20.3m/-).
Third place went to Shueyb Mohamed (25) from Sweden, who scored 96.2 per cent and received 5,000 US dollars (about 12.7m/-), the fourth place went to Bilal Ahmad (18) from Réunion, who scored 95 per cent and won 4,000 US dollars (about 10.2m/-); and fifth was Bilal Hassen (21) from New Zealand with a score of 94.5 per cent, winning 3,000 US dollars (about 7.6m/-).
The results underscored the fierce competition and high level of excellence demonstrated by participants from around the world.
Among prominent leaders in attendance were former Prime Minister Mr Kassim Majaliwa, former CCM Vice-Chairman (Mainland) Abdulrahman Kinana, Tanzania’s Chief Mufti Abubakar Zubeir Ally and Zanzibar’s Deputy Mufti Mahmoud Mussa Wadi, alongside diplomats, Islamic scholars and thousands of citizens who filled the stadium to witness the globally acclaimed competition.
Meanwhile, Dr Mwinyi attended the 22nd International Quran Tajweed Competition, held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
The event, organised by Khidmatul Quran Tanzania and Al Hikma Foundation, attracted participants from over 12 countries, including Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Iraq, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
