Hundreds of residents in Nyali, Mombasa County, defied heavy rainfall to take part in a Qur’an recitation competition held at Sheikh Zayed Hall, an event aimed at promoting Qur’an memorization and strengthening Islamic education among the youth during Ramadhan.

The two-day event attracted 87 participants aged between 5 and 18 years who competed in different categories of Qur’an recitation. The contestants recited sections ranging from 2 to 15 Juz of the Holy Qur’an, which is made up of 30 Juz in total.

The competition was organized by the Said Abdalla Foundation as part of efforts to encourage young people to memorize the Qur’an while also promoting unity, strengthening religious education and nurturing good morals within the community.

Speaking during the event, Foundation Patron Said Abdalla called on parents to ensure their children receive both secular and religious education by enrolling them in madrasas and Sunday schools.

"The goal of this competition is to bring society together and focus on religious education. We understand the many challenges facing our youth, such as drugs and substance abuse and robbery. As leaders, both political and religious, we have a duty to guide the youth towards religious education in madrasas and Sunday schools. They should know that everything they do in this world, they will account for it,” Abdalla said.

He further noted that religious teachings play a critical role in shaping disciplined and responsible citizens, adding that holding the event during Ramadhan was significant since it is the month when the Holy Qur’an was revealed.

Chairman of the organizing committee Iddi Mohammed Swaleh praised Said Abdalla for his leadership in bringing the community together during the sacred period.

"As both a religious leader and a parent, I urge fellow parents to enroll their children in madrasas. Those who study religion rarely engage in vices such as drugs and substance abuse, panga gangs or robbery. They become upstanding citizens. Our children are the future of society and the country,” Swaleh said.

Swaleh added that about 30 madrasas participated in the competition.

The event featured several levels based on the number of Juz recited, with winners in each category receiving prizes. The top performer in the 15-Juz recitation category was awarded Sh50,000 by the foundation through its patron.

The competition underscored the role of community initiatives in guiding young people away from social vices by promoting religious learning and positive engagement.