“(This is) a Book (Holy Qur’an) which We have revealed to you abounding in good that they may ponder over its verses, and that those endowed with understanding may be mindful”. (Surah Sād, Verse 38:29)
The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) 15th annual Qur’an competition was held from 18th to 21st of July 2019 at the Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC), Mombasa hosted by KSI Jamaat of Mombasa.
This Qur’an competition is held annually to inspire and motivate participants to recite, ponder, reflect and most importantly to better understand the Holy Qur’an.
A record number of 275 participants including for the first time 24 participants from Dubai, UAE Jamaat attended. Participants were accompanied by about 200 parents, teachers and guardians.
Opening Ceremony:
The Opening ceremony was held on Thursday, 19th July, 2019 after Maghribayn prayers. Among present were Ulamas, Mombasa Jamaat Chairman, AFED Trustee, Head of IEB-WF, AFTAB Chairman, Representatives of the participating Jamaat/Madressah, participants and their parents and guardians and community members.
A welcome speech was delivered by the host Jamaat Chairman, Alhaj Dr. Mohamed H. Jaffer who underscored the importance of the recitation as well as the understanding of the Holy Qur’an. The head of the Mombasa QC15 Organizing Committee, Alhaj Hasnain Karim and the AFTAB Chairman Seyed Hassan Naqvi gave a brief outline of QC15 and introduced the Judges; after which one of the Judges was given a platform to speak on the methodology of markings and answer any questions.
Below are some images taken during the QC15 capturing some interesting and sometimes tense moments with participants keenly and attentively listening to their colleagues.
Below are the Jamaats who attended in this year’s QC15
Trophies received by participants from different Jamaats were:
The Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was held at the Jaffery Islamic Centre on Sunday 21st July, 2019, and was well attended by the community members, Madrasah teachers, students, participants and invited guests.
Mombasa Jamaat presented token of appreciation to AFED and AFTAB for the efforts and commitment they put into this important event for the past 15 years, which has grown in number of participants and also in standard of learning and understanding of the Holy Qur’an amongst the children and the youth of our community.
Alhaj Sajjad bhai Rashid, on behalf of Mombasa Jamaat, thanked Africa Federation and expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to host the QC 15 in Mombasa. He also appreciated the work put in by the QC15 Mombasa organising committee led by the vice chairman of Mombasa Jamaat Alhaj Mohamedraza Rashid as well as the convener of QC15, Alhaj Hasnain Karim for successfully hosting the program.
He also added QC is a blessed event, as the Qur’an is the book of knowledge and guidance which we must make an important part of our lives. He concluded by remembering all the past community leaders and volunteers especially Marhum Zulfikar Ali Haiderali Khimji who initiated this competition some 15 years ago.
AFTAB Chairman, Seyed Hassan Naqvi in his address highlighted various initiatives put into this competition and acknowledged and appreciated the achievement of some brilliant participants, who have made both the community and parents proud. He continued to highlight that we were not here just to celebrate the achievements of our participants, but also to be grateful to Allah (SWT) and celebrate our sacred faith, values and morals which inspires Aftab to organize the Qur’an competition annually.
He further said that AFTAB believes not only in promoting the recitation and understanding of the holy book, but also for advancement of personal development like leadership and teamwork, determination and flexibility, confidence and self-belief, respect, consideration etc. in order to bring about the qualities of a responsible citizen in them.
He thanked all the participants, teachers and organizers for manifesting these values during the competition.
Sheikh Dr. Murtadha Alidina commended the participants for being well versed not only in recitation of Holy Qur’an but also being inspired to understand and gain knowledge from it. He continued by saying that the Holy Qur’an has not been sent only for recitation but also for reflection, it is a clarification for everything as it is the Noor (light). In conclusion, he congratulated all those who had taken up the challenge to sit for Ma’arifa category as they had for sure gained something.
Sheikh Nuru expressed gratitude for being part of a very important event of seeking Allah SWT through the glorious Holy Qur’an. He added, one cannot claim to be a good Muslim let alone be a good follower of Ahlulbayt (AS) without embracing the Holy Quran. Furthermore, he went on to describe the two responsibilities which are, the individual responsibility and community responsibility. Whether there is a community or not, it would be our responsibility to seek understanding of the Holy book. He added that we should not wait for the community to put up a program but rather consider it an individual duty in order to overcome the lack of understanding we have of Islam. He advised all the participants and individuals to learn languages such as Arabic, Farsi and Urdu in order to have a comprehensive and better understanding of the Holy book through reading from various religious books available.
Recommendations and suggestions for the way forward from the QC Organizing team:
Jamaats play a great role in facilitating and training their participants before the competition, therefore AFTAB QC Organizing team encourages Jamaats to reach out in order to seek assistance in facilitating the training sessions or merely in seeking advice and counsel on these matters.
This invitation is in particular extended to the smaller Jamaats, who in collaboration with parents are encouraged to emphasize on recitation as well as understanding of the Holy Qur’an.
Presentations of Trophies and Certificates:
Winners & Prizes
Open Recitation
AFED Chairman’s Message:
The Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Shabir Najafi in his message to the participants, wished them all successful participation, and encouraged more Jamaats to take part in this annual Qur’an Competition. He said; such events are important especially for the Jamaats in order to increase learning through interacting with participants in other Jamaats. He therefore, urged and encouraged Jamaats and Madressahs to motivate and facilitate participation. He conveyed his deep appreciation to Mombasa Jamaat for hosting the event this year.
Appreciation:
The Africa Federation and the Afed Tabligh Board (AFTAB) records its appreciation to the following for their support, dedication, contributions and services:
- KSI- Mombasa Jamaat for hosting the QC 15 Qur’an Competition.
- The Organizing Team of Mombasa Jamaat for the efficient and seamless organization.
- The Qur’an Competition Organizing Committee headed by Sister Fatim Somji for their great efforts and dedication towards the Qur’an Competition program.
- Honourable Judges, namely, Sheikh Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Sheikh Nuru Mohammed, Sheikh Ahmad Maalim Gulam, Sheikh Ally Mwalimu Ally, Sheikh Ahmad Darus Ahmad & Sheikh Athman Aliakbar for their commitment and efforts.
- The Participants, Parents, Patrons, Maalims and Madressahs for encouraging and training the participants for valuable and efficient participation in the Competition.
- Office Bearers and Managing Committee of all Participating Jamaats,
- All our Donors, supporters and well-wishers.
- Africa Federation Office Bearers and Secretariat staff in Dar es Salaam.
AFTAB looks forward for continuous support and contributions from the Community members to assist in maintaining the spirit of Qur’an alive amongst us all, and especially children.
AFTAB Secretariat