Two Somali Huffaz Set to Represent Nation at Global Quran Competition in Makkah

MOGADISHU — The Director General of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Abdinafic Ahmed Abdullahi, has officially bid farewell to two students who will represent Somalia at the International Quran Competition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The send-off ceremony, held in Mogadishu on Thursday, August 6, 2026, was attended by the Director of the Quranic Affairs Department of the Ministry, as well as the families of the two competitors. The students, Mohamed Nur Mohamed Ibrahim and Muna Abdirahman Mohamed Sabriye, were selected based on their outstanding performance at the national Quran competition organized by the Ministry during the holy month of Ramadan.

Mohamed Nur Mohamed Ibrahim will compete in the category of full memorization of the 30 parts of the Holy Quran, while Muna Abdirahman Mohamed Sabriye will represent Somalia in the 15-part memorization category. Their participation at the international level reflects the growing strength of Quranic education in Somalia and the dedication of young Somalis to the memorization and recitation of the Holy Book.

Somalia has previously participated in international Quran competitions in Makkah, with contestants from across the globe competing for a total prize pool of SAR 4 million (over USD 1 million), making it one of the most prestigious and rewarding Quranic events in the Islamic world.

Ministry’s Commitment to Quranic Excellence

In his address to the students, Dr. Abdinafic Ahmed Abdullahi emphasized the importance of their role as representatives of Somalia and the Somali people, carrying the Holy Quran. He reminded them that true success lies not only in the position they achieve but in how they embody their faith, their country, and the noble morals of the Quran. He expressed the Ministry’s confidence that the two students would return with an achievement that brings honour to Somalia and reflects the progress the country has made in nurturing Quranic memorizers.

The Director General also praised the parents and teachers for their dedication to raising and teaching the students, describing them as the backbone of every success Somali students achieve. He prayed for the students’ safe journey, their success in the competition, and their safe return to their homeland with pride and achievement.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has previously concluded the annual Ramadan Quran recitation competition, awarding cash prizes to the top reciters and recognizing their exceptional skills and dedication. The government’s continued support for Quranic education reflects its broader commitment to religious and cultural development.

A Growing Legacy of Quranic Scholarship

In recent years, Somali Quranic memorizers have increasingly distinguished themselves in regional and international competitions, reflecting the efforts invested in nurturing the next generation, the quality of teachers, and the God-given talent of Somali youth who have grown up with memorization, tajweed, and beautiful recitation.

The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has been strengthening its efforts to develop Quranic competitions, implementing a transparent and fair selection process based on unified standards. The aim is to create equal opportunities for all talented students in Quran memorization, ensuring that Somalia always has a dignified representation on the international stage.

Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed a pact on Islamic affairs and the fight against extremism, which facilitates greater Somali representation in global Quranic memorization competitions, integrating Somalia’s religious community more deeply into the broader Islamic world.

Critical Note

While the send-off of Somalia’s Quranic representatives is a moment of national pride, it also highlights the challenges facing Quranic education in the country. Many Quranic schools operate with limited resources, and teachers often work without adequate compensation or institutional support. The government’s emphasis on international competitions, while important, must be accompanied by sustained investment in foundational Quranic education, teacher training, and the integration of Quranic studies into the broader educational system. The participation of female Quranic memorizers, such as Muna Abdirahman, is a positive development, reflecting a more inclusive approach to religious education. However, more needs to be done to ensure that girls across Somalia have equal access to Quranic education and the opportunities it provides. The international community and Islamic organisations have a role to play in supporting Somalia’s Quranic institutions, but the primary responsibility lies with the Somali government to prioritize religious education and ensure that the nation’s rich Islamic heritage is preserved and passed on to future generations.