The Tanzanian International Quran Memorization Award winners were crowned during the 33rd edition of the competition in Dar es Salaam. The event was organized by the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in the United Republic of Tanzania and involved participants from 25 countries worldwide, with over 60,000 people in attendance at the National Stadium.
The competition featured two age categories – one for adults and one for children – focusing on memorizing the entire Quran. In the adult category, the first-place winner was Mohammed Amin Hassan from the United States, followed by Islam Ali Shalouf from Libya in second place, and Malik bin Abdulaziz Al-Rubaie from Saudi Arabia in third place. In the children’s category, Mohammed Yassin from Algeria secured first place, with Youssef Yassin from Uganda in second place, and Zaid Al-Baqali from Morocco in third place, who at just eight years old memorized the entire Quran.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Awad bin Sabti Al-Anzi, Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, honored the winning participants in the presence of Prime Minister Kasim Majilow, along with various ministers, deputies, the Grand Mufti of Tanzania, Sheikh Abu Bakr bin Al-Zubair bin Ali, and esteemed religious figures and ambassadors.
In his address on behalf of Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, Deputy Minister Dr. Awad bin Sabti Al-Anzi emphasized the importance of caring for the Quran as the word of God, which provides guidance, light, and clarity to maintain righteousness and guide towards the right path.
The ceremony aimed to recognize the winners of the international Quran memorization competition supported by Saudi Arabia through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Islamic endeavors that unite people in truth, strengthen their relationship with their Creator, and uphold their beliefs, unity, and security.
The winners were congratulated on their achievements and encouraged to serve as ambassadors of good, peace, and role models for others. The closing ceremony also featured speeches from Tanzanian officials praising the continuous support from Saudi Arabia and highlighting the message of the competition, which promotes guidance and the spread of peace found in the Quran.
