He joined other Twin Cities
Somali-American teens in dominating the competition at a Quran 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.
More than 300 volunteers helped put on the
15th annual event from Dec. 26 to 28.
Minnesota contestants had done well in
past years, but not like this.
"Nothing compared to what happened this
past week,” Hussein said.
Students were tested for four days,
reciting sections of the Quran 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. Hussein said Somali students
from around the world have done well in similar competitions but not like what
he saw last week at the convention.
"It was a tremendous and proud moment for
all Minnesotans who were there, not just for Somalis,” he said.
Ahmed Mohamed placed first. A student at
Ubah Medical Academy in Hopkins, he has attended Quran competitions from
Canada to Dubai. Mohamed, who had been prepping for the competition for three
months with the help of leaders from his local mosque, said the competition was relatively easy. Mohamed competed against
his peers from the mosque. Mohamed won the highest prize of $4,000.
"I felt really proud of myself,” he said.
"I noticed that hard work pays off.” In Mohamed’s category, he had to memorize
the entire Quran, consisting of 114 Surahs (chapters).
Mohamet Abdullahi Ali was one of the
judges who critiqued the contestants. The competition was difficult, but
Mohamed came out on top, said Ali.
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.”
The family-friendly event offers attendees
a chance to hear from internationally known speakers, take part in workshops
and shop from a 350-booth bazaar.
Mohamed will be competing in a Quran
competition in Kuwait in April.
Source: Star Tribune
