Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR President Hussein Mwinyi has hailed international Qur’an memorisation competitions as a vital platform for nurturing youth talent and promoting strong moral values in society.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Sunday night during a gala dinner hosted by the International Qur’an Memorisation Awards in Dar es Salaam.
“These competitions go beyond religious practice,” he said.
“They are a platform to showcase Tanzania as a peaceful and united nation to the world.”
The president assured participants and guests that Tanzania remains safe, welcoming, and united, as reflected in the diversity of the international gathering at the event.
He also urged Muslims to uphold the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), emphasising the importance of guiding young people, strengthening moral values, and preserving peace.
Dr Mwinyi called on society to combat moral decay by using the teachings of the Holy Qur’an as a guiding light in daily life.
He commended the Tanzania Qur’an Awards Trust, led by Sheikh Othman Ali Kaporo, for successfully organising the competition and the gala dinner.
Distinguished guests included Badr bin Muhammad Al-Turki, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Yahya Bin Ahmed Okeish.
The international competition, held earlier at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, saw Ibrahim Hilal Zeydaan from Libya emerge as the winner with 99.12 points.
Saydina Al Ghalla took second place with 99.06 points, while Ahmed Karim Shehmadduf from Russia finished third with 98.75 points.
During the gala, Dr Mwinyi was also honoured with two special awards from the Saudi Embassy and the Office of the Mufti of Tanzania in recognition of his contributions to advancing Islamic affairs in the country
