Grand Closing of the 13th Edition of the Sheikh Ibrahim Niass International Qur’an Memorization and Recitation Award in Senegal

elitihad , Special – Kaolack

In a solemn spiritual
atmosphere, the curtain fell on the activities of the 13th edition of the Sheikh Ibrahim Niass International Award for Qur’an Memorization and Recitation, hosted in the city of Kaolack. The event drew a large public audience and featured the participation of official and scholarly figures from several countries, as well as a delegation from Al-Azhar, in a distinguished ceremony reflecting the growing continental and international stature of the award.
The final rounds witnessed intense competition among an elite group of Qur’an memorizers. At the conclusion, Libyan contestant Mohammed Fouad Al-Hawaji secured first place after an outstanding performance in memorization and recitation, winning a cash prize of 10,000,000 CFA francs. Second place went to contestant Bashir Mohammed from the Central African Republic, who received 5,000,000 CFA francs, while Senegalese contestant Mohammed El-Hadj Touré placed third, earning 3,000,000 CFA francs.
Fourth place was awarded to Senegalese contestant Ibrahim Sèye, who received 2,000,000 CFA francs, while fifth place went to Senegalese contestant Serigne Bender Diame, who won 1,000,000 CFA francs.
The organizing committee also granted encouragement prizes of 200,000 CFA francs to the remaining finalists, in addition to special support for outstanding mahadras (Qur’anic schools) and valuable gifts in recognition of their efforts in serving the Holy Qur’an.

In his remarks, the head of the competition, Sheikh Abdel Malik Niass, stated: “This award is no longer just a competition; it has become an integrated Qur’anic project aimed at building generations deeply rooted in the values of the Holy Qur’an and capable of carrying its message to the world.” He emphasized that the increasing participation from various countries reflects the trust in the award’s credibility and scholarly standing.
He added that “the 13th edition marked a qualitative leap in terms of organization and international participation, which motivates us to double our efforts in the future to expand the scope of the award and strengthen its presence on the Islamic and international stage.”
This latest edition reaffirmed the award’s continued commitment to its noble mission of promoting the memorization and proper recitation of the Qur’an, consolidating its status as a leading Qur’anic beacon in West Africa. Each year, it attracts distinguished reciters and contributes to preparing generations who embody the teachings of the Qur’an in both knowledge and practice, in faithful continuation of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass’s legacy in serving Islam and humanity.