The Mohammed VI Foundation for African Scholars launched the third edition of its annual competition in Prophetic Hadith in Rabat, Morocco, on Friday. The event brings together 123 participants, comprising 48 African countries, who will compete in three categories over three days. The competition assesses participants' knowledge of Hadith, including memorization and understanding of Prophetic traditions.
The competition aims to promote awareness of the Prophet's biography, encourage the study of Hadith, and foster a deeper understanding of Islamic values. By engaging young African scholars, the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between the continent's Muslim communities and the Prophetic tradition. The event also underscores the importance of peaceful coexistence, as inspired by the Prophet's teachings.
A central committee of seven African countries, including Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Chad, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Côte d'Ivoire, oversees the competition. Moroccan scholars specializing in Hadith also contribute to the evaluation process. The committee assesses participants' performances using two evaluation systems: a standard system awarding points and a discretionary system allowing judges to consider participants' overall performance.
In his opening remarks, Mohammed Refki, Secretary-General of the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Scholars, emphasized the significance of emulating the Prophet's example and drawing inspiration from his teachings. Refki noted that the competition's focus on the Prophet's biography and Hadith reflects the Foundation's commitment to promoting Islamic knowledge and values among African youth.
Ahmed El-Nour Mohamed El-Hilu, Mufti of Chad and a member of the judging committee, praised the competition as an opportunity for participants to reconnect with Prophetic Hadith and reinforce their understanding of Islamic values. El-Hilu highlighted the importance of the initiative in promoting a nuanced understanding of the Prophet's teachings and their relevance to contemporary life.
The competition builds on the success of previous editions, which drew nearly 1,000 participants from across Africa. By engaging young scholars in the study of Hadith and the Prophet's biography, the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Scholars aims to contribute to the development of a new generation of Islamic scholars and promote greater understanding between Muslim communities on the continent.
Key points
- The competition features 123 participants from 48 African countries, competing in three categories over three days.
- The initiative aims to promote awareness of the Prophet's biography and encourage the study of Hadith among young African scholars.
- A central committee of seven African countries oversees the competition, with Moroccan scholars also contributing to the evaluation process.
