Sautul Islam Foundation (SIF) an Islamic charitable organization on Saturday inaugurated the first annual Quran memorization competition show in Ghana. SIF was established in the country in 1990, in collaboration with Alhuda Islamic Society (AIS) an NGO.
The competition, on the theme, “Promoting Islam through Demystification of the Holy QURAN”, aims at enhancing the awareness of the Holy Quran among the Muslim community by learning, understanding and memorising the Quran among children and the youth. The competition, which will be screened on Ghana Television (GTV), will last for four weeks during this year’s Ramadan period.
Mr. Prince Moses Zakaria, Foundation Secretary said the competition committee has divided the country into three zones, northern, middle and southern zones. He said the northern zone is made up of Northern, Upper East and West Regions, the middle zone include Ashanti, Central, Brong Ahafo and Western regions, whilst the southern zone comprises Greater Accra, Volta and Eastern Regions.
Mr ZAkaria said the regional level of the competition to select representatives for the reality show has already been held, and the winners will take part in the first annual Quran reality show. Sheikh Usman Ibrahim Baari, the Chairman of the committee said the Quran memorization competition will go a long way to help train young Muslims.
He urged Muslims to establish the words of the Quran in their lives and not only listen to it. Sheikh Baari said the Quran, which is made up of 114 Chapters and 6,200 verses, is to be recited on daily bases for religious purposes. “The Quran speaks to your mind, your heart and your soul, as it appeals to your conscience, feelings and you respond to it simultaneously”, he added.
Hon. Dr. Alhassan Yakubu, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, said Islam is founded on peace and cooperates with other religions at all times. He said the average Muslim is encouraged by rules to believe in other messengers of Allah and read religious books that will draw them closer to Allah.
