SHAFAQNA – The Khoja Shi’a Ithna Asheri Muslim Community of Arusha Tanzania in East Africa hosted its annual Qur’an Hifdh competition for sisters during the first three nights of the blessed month of Ramadhan.
Children as young as 5 years old participated, memorising Surat an Nazi’aat and adults as old as in their late 50s memorised Surat al-Mulk.
Imam Ali (as) is reported to have said, “Recite the Quran and seek assistance from it for surely Allah the Most High will not punish one who has memorized the Quran (and has it within one’s heart).”
The atmosphere in the competition hall was beautiful, with family members attending to morally support the participants; however the most profound moments for me were after the younger girls having being tested would run into the arms of their mothers who were brimming with pride over their children’s beautiful recitations of the words of Allah.
It was also extremely inspiring to see how the older sisters in the 30+ categories, many of them even grandmothers took up the challenge in their attempts to bring the Qur’an closer to their hearts. I was so awed by the diligence clearly manifested in their recitations and pray to Allah that all of the participants are rewarded with greater proximity to the Beloved (s.w.t)
– Sabiha Rahim (Shafaqna)