Rabat – Morocco’s Hamza Sabo has won the second edition of the Grand Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba International Holy Quran Prize.
The prestigious competition, held in the heart of the religious city of Tuba in Senegal, honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional mastery of the Quran with Tajweed and Tafseer.
Tajweed is the art of reading the Quran with correct Arabic letter pronunciation and proper articulation points is known as tajweed; it also includes a number of reading guidelines for the Qur’an. Meanwhile, Tafseer helps readers understand the contents of the Quran).
Sabo’s exemplary memorization and understanding of the Quran’s teachings earned him the esteemed grand prize of ten thousand dollars, Morocco’s state media reported.
Held on Monday, August 21, the award ceremony saw participants from several countries, including Senegal, Morocco, and Turkey, showcasing their dedication to the holy text.
The Grand International Sheikh Ahmadu Bamba Award for the Holy Quran seeks to bolster the role of Quranic schools in shaping the education of Muslim youth. By enhancing Quranic school programs and fostering teaching capabilities, the competition aims to marry traditional teachings with contemporary pedagogical approaches.
Sabo’s first-place victory underscored his remarkable commitment to both memorization and interpretation of the Quran. Senegalese reciter Khadim Ndiaye secured the second-place position, while the third place went to Turkish participant Mohamed Hizan.
A range of other participants received prizes for their dedication. Notable winners in the category of memorizing the entire Quran with Tajweed (correct pronunciation) and Tafseer (Quranic exegesis) included Senegal’s Mustapha Nddjing, Bai Saleh, and Gilles Gueye.
Furthermore, the competition highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of individuals who memorized the final ten sections of the Holy Quran. Among the winners in this category were Senegalese participants Abdou Ahad Niang, Serge Modkir, and El Hadj Barra Mbaki.
Read also: Morocco’s Youness Mustafa Gharbi Wins Saudi Quran Reciting Competition
The Grand Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba International Holy Quran Prize not only serves as a platform for celebrating exceptional accomplishments, but also as a means of fostering closer ties between religious centers and Islamic institutions.
By expanding the competition’s scope, organizers aim to encourage a comprehensive exploration of the Holy Quran while recognizing outstanding talents on a global scale.
The annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba’s teachings and the resonance of his spiritual insights in the hearts of countless Muslim believers.
Meanwhile, Hamza’s victory is a testament to the enduring power of the Quran’s teachings and the dedication of individuals to their faith.
