Mauritania's Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, Mohamed Ould Bebane, has emphasized the significance of the Grand Quranic Recitation and Memorization Competition. He stated that the event has become a national occasion, eagerly anticipated by Quranic scholars across the country. The competition reflects the importance of the Quran in Mauritanian society, its value system, and its scientific and cultural history.

The competition has evolved over time, with the involvement of regional and local radio stations, making it a nationwide event. This has enabled participants from remote areas to take part without being limited by geographical constraints. The competition has also undergone digitalization, with a scientific and impartial jury, supervised by the Scientific Council, and improved prizes and recognition.

Minister Ould Bebane commended the efforts of Radio Mauritania, the Scientific Council, and the jury, as well as all contributors to the organization of the event. He stressed that the competition represents a vital component in building the Mauritanian individual, preserving national identity, and disseminating knowledge. The minister also highlighted that these efforts align with the vision of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, as outlined in his "Ambition for the Nation" program.

The minister emphasized that the media's role, according to this vision, goes beyond merely reporting institutional activities. Instead, it serves as a platform for knowledge, dialogue, and citizen empowerment. The competition transcends the boundaries of mere competition and prizes, conveying a message that Quranic memorization, knowledge acquisition, and excellence are values to be celebrated by the state and society.

The competition is an extension of the historical role of Mauritanian educational institutions, known as "mahadras," which have contributed to the dissemination of knowledge and values beyond the country's borders for centuries. This legacy was recognized by UNESCO, which classified the mahadra as a shared human heritage. The minister expressed hope that the competition would become a permanent national platform for discovering and nurturing Quranic talents.

The event has garnered significant attention, with participants competing in various categories. The competition's impact extends beyond the event itself, as it promotes a culture of Quranic scholarship and appreciation. The minister expressed gratitude to President El Ghazouani for his support and praised the efforts of all involved in organizing the competition.

The Grand Quranic Recitation and Memorization Competition has become an integral part of Mauritania's cultural and religious landscape. The event serves as a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its Islamic heritage and promoting Quranic scholarship. As the competition continues to grow, it is expected to provide a platform for new talents to emerge and for Mauritanian voices to be heard in international Quranic events.

Key points

  • The competition has become a national event, promoting Mauritania's Islamic heritage and discovering new Quranic talents.
  • The event has evolved over time, with digitalization and improved prizes, making it a more inclusive and appealing competition.
  • The competition serves as a platform for knowledge, dialogue, and citizen empowerment, aligning with the vision of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.