President Mohamud Honors Winners of Somalia’s Holy Quran Competition

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: In a grand ceremony marking the culmination of Somalia’s Holy Quran Competition, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the closing event on Thursday in Mogadishu.

The competition, held during the sacred month of Ramadan, celebrated the mastery of Quranic recitation and memorization, reinforcing Somalia’s deep-rooted commitment to its religious and cultural values.

Addressing the gathering, President Mohamud underscored the significance of the competition, describing it as a testament to the Somali people’s unwavering faith and dedication to Islamic scholarship.

“This Holy Quran competition demonstrates how the Somali people and government adhere to their pure religion and are committed to studying and practicing it,” he stated.

Reaffirming the government’s role in protecting religious principles and upholding Islamic law, the President emphasized that such initiatives reflect Somalia’s enduring spiritual identity.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of the competition’s top participants. First-place winner Abdirahman Abdullahi Osman received a prestigious cash prize of $20,000, while other outstanding contestants were also honored: Zakariye Abdullahi Hassan Rooble ($15,000), Osman Abdullahi Osman ($10,000), Aaisha Aden Mohamed ($7,000), Abdirahman Ali Hussein ($5,000), Osama Yusuf Farhan ($3,000), and Ibrahim Abdirahman Ibrahim ($2,000).

President Mohamud extended his gratitude to the parents, teachers, and mentors who played a crucial role in nurturing the participants’ talents. He prayed for their continued success, saying,

“May God benefit them, bless their understanding, and make them individuals who serve their country and their religion.”

The Holy Quran Competition is an annual event that unites talented Quran reciters from across the nation, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth. This year’s competition not only highlighted the remarkable achievements of the participants but also reinforced the government’s commitment to religious education and cultural preservation.

As Somalia continues its journey of rebuilding and strengthening its institutions, events like the Holy Quran Competition serve as a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich heritage and unwavering devotion to Islamic values.