Nine best young performers in this year’s Ramadhan Holy Quran recitation competition in Rwanda were yesterday given various awards.

The winners shared Rwf 1,240,000 cash. Other prizes included pens, books, certificates, calculators and Muslim garb from Africa Moslems Agency (AMA).

The winners were among the twenty seven who participated in the competition.

Abdallah Cyusa, the 9-year old boy, who was among the World’s top 40 competitors, during this year’s Ramadhan Quran recitation contest that was held in Dubai, emerged as the overall winner and walked away with Rwf 230,000 among other prizes.

Speaking at the event, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Saleh Habimana, said that this is a great step these young people have achieved in their lives.

"Understanding the Holy Quran is very important to every Muslim because it teaches them to live in a peaceful world,” he said.

The Mufti added that the Holy Quran is the source of knowledge to members of the Islamic faith.

According to Khalid Houda, the Director of AMA, and the organizers of the competition, in the Quran there are numerous verses speaking of knowledge, and praising and elevating the status of those who acquire it.

He also said that this is the third time the Quran recitation contest has been held in Rwanda since 2007 when it was introduced in the country.

Cyusa, who emerged the winner, briefly and confidently recited some verses of the Quran and mesmerized the gathering that had turned up for the event.

After being announced the overall winner, Cyusa said that he was very happy and excited to win in Dubai and in his home country.

"I am very happy and I thank my dad who taught me how to read the Quran.”  The Ramadan Quran reading contest is an annual event that encourages memorization and understanding of the Holy Quran.

The contest was organized by AMA and was held at Islamic Cultural Centre in Nyamirambo, Nyarugenge district.

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