QC12 1
The 12th AFED Qur’an competition – QC 12 is an annual event organized by the Africa Federation Tableegh Board – AFTAB, this year was hosted by the KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam from 5th to 7th August 2016.
The aim of the Qur’an competition is to develop close affinity with the Holy Qur’an, to develop talents and encourage the recitation, awareness and better understanding of the Holy Book amongst the children, young and older generations for every sphere of life in our community. It is also to attain blissful satisfaction and solace in our hearts so that this benefits all in the development of good character spiritually and intellectually.
This is the Book (the Qur’an) about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah – Surah Al Baqarah, Verse 2.
Who believe in the unseen and keep up prayer and spend out (give Zakat, Charity etc. to the poor) of what We have given them – Surah Al Baqarah, Verse 3.
Holy Prophet of Islam (SAWW) said: “I leave among you two weighty things, the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and my Itrat (progeny); if you hold fast to them you will never go astray; and these two shall never separate from each other till they meet at the heavenly fountain of Kauser.” (Hadith al-Thaqalayn)
Summary of outcome of QC12
Categories and Number of Participants:
All Constituent Jamaats of AFED were invited several months ago by AFTAB and were given the opportunity to select amongst their members four candidates (2 male and 2 female) for participation in each category:
i) Open Qur’an recitation
ii) Hifdh
For the following age groups:
- Group 1: 8 – 10 Years Group 4: 15+ – 18 Years
- Group 2: 10+ – 12 Years Group 5: 18+ Years
- Group 3: 12+ – 15 Years
For the third category “Fadhilah of Ahlulbayt (AS) from the holy Qur’an”, Jamaats were given the opportunity to select four candidates among their members (2 male and 2 female). This category was for two age groups i.e. 15 to 18 years and 18+ years.
A fourth category “Ma’rifah of Allah (SWT) from the Holy Quran” was introduced in this year’s competition, whereby, each Jamaat had the opportunity to select 2 candidates among their members (1 male and 1 female).
Participating Jamaats and team’s strength
For the first time in the history of AFED Qur’an Competition, a record number of 210 participants from the following eight Jamaats took part in the various categories in the 12th Qur’an Competition:
- Arusha
- Dar es Salaam
- Mombasa
- Moshi
- Mwanza
- Nairobi
- Tanga
- Zanzibar
The AFTAB Chairman, Seyed Hassan Naqvi at the QC12 Opening address welcomed all participants, accompanying parents, guardians, patrons and Madressah maalims. He also welcomed and introduced the Judges and dignitaries who were present at the Opening. As customary, Seyed Hassan Naqvi explained the rules and provided guidelines to all the participants and patrons.
Seyed Hassan underscored the importance of this annual Qur’an competition, he pointed out that there is a positive change in the community amongst the children and parents being observed since last 6 years, he thanked Africa Federation office bearers for giving the importance and financial support which has brought about the change in the community towards better understanding the Holy Qur’an and applying the teachings in our daily lives.
The competition was adjudicated by a panel of experts, in whose criteria encompassed vital areas of recitation rules, delivery and ability of participants. The commitment and thoroughness of the panel of experts is an essential part of the competition and is greatly valued.
QC 12 – Competition Sessions in progress (5th to 7th August)
QC12 Closing Ceremony – 7th August 2016
The Closing Ceremony was held after dinner on 7th August at the Imambargha of KSI Jamaat Dar es Salaam. It was attended by the AFED Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, AFED Office Bearers, Chairman of AFTAB, AFED Councillors, AFED Board Chairmen and Board Members, Dsm Jamaat Officials, Judges, Scholars, Participants, Parents, Representatives from respective Jamaats, Invited Guests and Community Members. It was encouraging to witness a very good turnout at the function, both in ladies and gents sections.
The function commenced with the blessings from a beautiful recitation of the verses of the holy Qur’an by Br. Haider Mawji from Mwanza Jamaat.
This followed with a welcome address by the AFED the Hon. Assistant Secretary, Br. Alihassan Kassam, who was also the Master of Ceremonies. Thereafter, the Head of the Organizing Committee, Br. Aliabbas Manji in his address thanked Africa Federation and DSM Jamaat for the opportunity extended to him to head this important Three Days’ event. He introduced the QC12 Organizing Committee made up of youth who worked very hard with deep commitment and zeal in preparation of the event. He conveyed his appreciation and acknowledgement to the team, volunteers, both in ladies and gents sections.
The Hon. Secretary of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Murtaza Bhai Kara on behalf of DSM Jamaat, addressed the gathering. He quoted the Holy Prophet and our first Holy Imam mentioning the importance of one who recites and memorizes the Holy Book.
On behalf of the patrons from all participating Jamaats, Sheikh Mwamtunza from Nairobi Jamaat Madressah gave an enlightening speech to the audience, also quoting Hadith of Thaqalayn from the Holy Prophet (SAWW), urging all to ponder into the Holy Qur’an for understanding of Allah (SWT) better and likewise the Ahlulbayt (AS).
After thanking the Almighty for the wonderful opportunity of organizing the annual AFED Qur’an Competition once again, the Chairman of AFTAB, Seyed Hassan Naqvi, expounded on the categories of competition, the growing strength of the Fadhilah category and the introduction of the Ma’arifah category this year which is more intense and challenging.
Commending the participants for their hard work and commitment, Seyed Hassan Naqvi emphasized that each and every one of them was a winner, having displayed the most amazing skills, courage and love for the Holy Qur’an.
He strongly urged the parents, apart from the Jamaats and Madaris to continue supporting and encouraging these endeavours for the spiritual development of our talented children. He also appealed to the audience to come forward and build a culture of living by this Holy Book and leave a legacy for posterity
Sheikh Dr. Murtadha Alidina and Sheikh Nur Muhammed who not only judged the participants but steered them through questioning for deeper understanding and research in the limitlessness of the Fadhilah of the holy household of the Prophet of Islam (SAWW). On behalf of Africa Federation and AFTAB, Seyed Hassan Naqvi expressed hisappreciation to them for their commitment and selfless services during the three days of the AFED QC12 Qur’an Competition.
Memorable moments of the AFED Qur’an Competition and Children Networking
In sharing his observations, Sheikh Alidina quoted the Holy Prophet saying that when Allah (SWT) wishes to bless a group of people or individual, He increases in their understanding of Deen and reduces in their ignorance. He also drew attention of the participants of Fadhilah/Ma’arifah that in the process of their presentations, the Judges also strived to provide them with some direction and the logical approach to follow in order to develop them in further understanding. There needs to be a method and standardized way to analyse verses of the Holy Qur’an and check the ahadith in reference to their interpretation, which is also sanctioned by the Ahlulbayt (AS), so as to avoid misinterpretation which leads to gross deviation.
Sheikh Nur Mohammed stated that he was very much inspired this year more than the previous years. He reiterated on the importance of being able to connect to the Ahlulbayt (AS) instead of following them blindly. He has noticed great potentials in our community and thus encourages the participants and others to continue in their endeavours towards furthering into religious academic studies. He clarified that the Judges were not asking questions different to the criteria earlier given to the participants in preparation for their presentations. Rather, the questions asked, were merely put forward in a different manner, not diverting from the main criteria.
According to him, the category of Ma’arifah was the most difficult part of the competition as a participant needs to know every single detail about a particular verse among a set of 20 verses. The kinds of comments given by them to the participants were in two forms; those that would encourage them to move forward and those that would openly draw their attention to their developmental area/s. Nevertheless, all participants are winners.
Alhaj Shabir Najafi, the Chairman of Africa Federation expressed appreciation to the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Organizing Committee, Judges, participants from the eight Jamaats, Parents and Patrons. He was impressed by the big number of participants and hopes that this would grow in the years to come. He stressed that this competition is an opportunity for us to better ourselves and to start implementing immediately the teachings of Qur’an in our daily lives which is vital for transformation, so as to take us to higher level of learning and understanding of our religion – Islam. He emphasized to the Jamaats to give utmost importance to Madrassah to achieve these objectives.
Shabir bhai remembered Marhum Alhaj Zulfikar Khimji, the past Chairman of Africa Federation, during his tenure, the Annual Qur’an Competition was introduced.
Recommendation for the future events:
AFED will continue to promote the Annual Qur’an Competition in order to create more awareness, also to inculcate interest amongst the younger generation towards better understanding of the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of Ahlulbayt (A.S.), thereby these are applied in our daily lives.
Similarly, AFTAB will look into adding one extra day, to make it to 4 days program. The intention is to include a breakout day for outdoor activities such as sports, team building, physical and, cognitive activities etc. this is to foster social relationship and create unity and confidence amongst the children and youth of our Community, for spiritual and social wellbeing.
Celebrating the Success:
The Winners and Prizes
The winners of the Open Qur’an Recitation, Hifdh, Fadhilah of Ahlulbayt (AS) from the Holy Qur’an and Ma’arifah of Allah (SWT) from the Holy Qur’an received Trophies and all the participants received a Certificate of Participation and Gifts presented by AFED.
The winners of the 12th AFED Quran Competition have been listed here-under:
On behalf of the Chairman, the Office Bearers and the Trustees of Africa Federation, we wish to express our heartiest congratulations and thanks to AFTAB for organizing yet another successful Qur’an Competition.
We wish to thank all the Jamaats who have participated in the Qur’an Competition, the participants, parents, patrons, maalims and Madressahs for their part in the successful QC12 Competition.
Africa Federation wishes to thank the supporters, donors and well-wishers for their support and cooperation.
Please recite Sura-e-Fateha for all our past leaders of the Federation and Jamaats, and pray for their maghferat.
SECRETARIAT