Hawzah News Agency (Chicago, USA) - When it comes to memorizing Islam’s holy book, Ahmed Mohamed, 15, of Minneapolis, proved himself to be one of the best in the nation.
He joined other Twin Cities Somali-American teens in dominating the competition at a Qur’an memorization contest in Chicago.
Out of 400 contestants, 15 Somali girls and boys from the Twin Cities stole the show at the convention, held by the Muslim American Society and Islamic Circle of North America.
Each year the two groups host one of the largest Islamic conventions in North America, with about 15,000 attendees.
“Not only did they sweep the entire competition, but they placed every first place possible,” said CAIR-Minnesota Executive Director Jaylani Hussein.
Minnesota contestants had done well in past years, but not like this.
Students were tested for four days, reciting sections of the Qur’an with correct pronunciation of the Arabic text. Competitors are scored 75 percent on memorization and 25 percent on recitation skill.
Organizers say that the competition helps students understand Islamic moral values so that they can be agents for positive change.
One winner was just 7 years old. Out of 18 winners, 15 were from Minnesota and 11 were girls.
Each year the convention selects a theme that represents the needs of Muslim-American families. This year’s was “American Muslims: Islamic Duties and Civic Obligations.”
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