The 5th annual Qur’an competition was hosted in Cape Town to honour the rich history of the arrival of Islam in South Africa. NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI reports:
IN the pursuit of good deeds, the Qur’an encourages believers to ‘race to all that is good,’ (Sura Al Baqarah, 2:148).
This divine injunction not only underscores the significance of competing in virtuous acts but also fosters a culture of excellence and spiritual growth.
Drawing from this noble principle, the Mohamed VI Foundation of African Oulema South African branch hosted its 5th Annual Qur’an Competition at Madina Institute, Cape Town on May 5, 2024.
According to Shaikh Zaid Langa, the President of the South African branch of the Mohamed VI Foundation of African Oulema, the organisation aims to promote Islamic scholarship and foster intellectual exchange among African Islamic scholars.
‘With 48 branches in various countries across Africa, the foundation, founded by King Mohammed VI of Morocco in 2015 and its South African branch established in 2018, seeks to facilitate the advancement of Islamic knowledge and cooperation among scholars on the continent.’
He says the organisation achieves this ‘through initiatives aimed at preserving Islamic African heritage and nurturing the development of the African Muslim communities.’
Langa highlights that among the reasons for hosting this annual event in Cape Town is honouring the rich history of the arrival of Islam in South Africa.
‘This history preserved and reflected through the promotion of Qur’an memorisation, understanding, and practice. Continues to be profoundly influenced by figures such as Yusuf Macassar, Tuan Guru, and many others who laid the foundation of Islam in South Africa in the Cape,’ said Shaikh Langa.
With over 15 contestants ranging from ages of seven to 25, competing in three different categories, namely Warsh, Hafs and two and half Juz (each of the thirty volumes of the Qur’an), the event provided the youth the opportunity to inspire and be inspired by the Qur’an.
While addressing the contestants, their family members and the public which graced this auspicious event with their presence, Shaikh Langa highlighted those unlike conventional competitions where there is a winner and a loser, the Qur’an competition embraces a different ethos.
As the Qur’an teaches,‘ And we have certainly honoured the children of Adam,’ (Sura Al Isra, 17:70), affirming the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.
In this spirit, ‘every participant in the competition is celebrated for their commitment to the learning and devotion to the Qur’an, as there are no winners and losers in the pursuit of spiritual excellence,’ said Shaikh Langa.
The judges included renowned Qariah Hafsa Jacobs, Qari Saleem Gaibie and Qari Igshaan Davids.
In response to the low turnout of female participants, Jacobs encouraged women to participate in such competitions.
‘I urge women to participate in Qur’an competitions as it is not only beneficial to the spiritually, but it allows them to increase their knowledge of the Qur’an,’ said Qariah Jacobs.
Hafidhah Rukshana Sampson, who was the only female participant says her journey leading up to the competition and during was challenging but she learnt a lot during this period.
‘My experience was beautiful, and I look forward to many more Qur’an competitions. Although upon arriving at the event and hearing other contestants who were male recite, I got intimidated. But then I remembered that the recitation was for the pleasure of Allah and this then gave me strength me,’ said Hafidhah Sampson.
She further encourages all women who wish to start their journey in immersing themselves with the beautiful words of Allah.
‘Its never too late to start, even though I felt inspired upon seeing Jacobs, I would have loved to see more women especially young women. The Qur’an brings joy to the heart, and we should all be rushing to carry and share these magnificent words in our hearts,’ added Hafidhah Sampson.
Medina Institute lecturer, Shaikh Mukhtar Ahmed emphasised the need to not only memorise but embody the Qur’an.
‘Among the many ways to approach the Qur’an is to strive to read it properly, memorise, understand and implement it,’ said Shaikh Ahmed.
Among the contestants, three emerged victorious displaying remarkable recitation skills.
Abdul Fattah Allie was placed first in two and half Juz, Ismail Saban in Hafs and Sabeegh Philander in Warsh.
According to Shaikh Arshad Mohammed, who is part of the leadership of the Mohamed VI Foundation of African Oulema South African branch, these three contestants have the honour to represent South Africa in the 5th international competition of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema for memorisation, recitation and psalmody of the Holy Qur’an.
For more information on the latest Mohamed VI Foundation of African Oulema South African branch events or to join the next Qur’an competitions visit their website https://www.fm6oa.org/en/south-africa/.
