Riyadha being amongst the notable learning institutions in the Lamu region,is also one of the Pioneers whom acclaimed to have started the idea of Qur'an Memorization (Musabaqatul Quran) in the region as well. Historicaly, Lamu has been hosting several scholars who had memorized the entire Qur'an , however this is no more after losing the older generation.

It was through Zawiya Habib Swaleh which is one of Riyadha Mosque's associate bodies and its founder; Syed Abdulkadir Bin Syed Mohamed Bahasan Bin Syed Ali Badawy Jamalulyl who initiated the Quran memorization contest in 1984 particularly to revive the Memorization of our Holy book Quran . Since its inception, it has been involved in facilitating and organising the Annual Qur'an Memorization contest during the Annual maulid festival.His Brother Sheikh Swaleh Bahasan who is also the principle trustee member of Riyadha embraced the idea and played a pivotal role in sourcing of funds and logistics.

It will be of no harm to mention the main financial Sponsor who has been from the beginning supported the Musabaqah . This is none other Sheikh Tahir Sheikh Said Al-Hatimy ( TSS), may Allah grant him good health & Barakah to his family as well. Also in hand Brother Sheikh Ahmed Nadhir. Hon. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir later joined this adventure, together with many others who gave both in cash kind, and in materials. It is not always possible to mention everyone may Almighty give them best in Jannah

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Syed Abdulkadir Bahasan also received major support from his colleagues especially Ustadh Muhamad Noor Al-Nadhir who were both graduates from Islamic University in Madina Saudi Arabia in organising the contest . Both were also lecturing at the Riyadha Muslim Academy by then . The first Contest was well received and it started with only one chapter of the Quran (Juzuu Amma) and later developed to the whole Quran .

Alhamdulillah this program has brought alot of impact in the community and we can proudly acknowledge the fact that most of the existing young Hufadh in the region are in one way or the other are as a result of this motivational event .Most encouraging , this program has attracted many institutions who are now emulating and organising similar contests in the spirit of preserving the Quran in the hearts and minds of our youth . Zawiya Habib Swaleh is also planning to introduce an integrated School which will run simultaneously with the Islamic teachings

The Quran Memorization Contest Goal & Specific Objectives are:

  1. To set up an institution which will combine the effort of all centres of Quran Memorization.
  2. Motivate the youth to keep on memorizing the holy book
  3. Provide and facilitate the prize giving to the participating candidates.
  4. Preserve the Quran and encourage the youth to continue memorizing it even after the competition
  5. Encouragment to the teachers by issuing stipend or prizes

The Expected Outcomes are:

  1. At least 10 students memorize the whole Quran every year
  2. An increase of awareness on the importance of memorizing the holy quran
  3. At least 50 student of different categories are given chance to compete and win different prizes of cash and other commodities
  4. A few candidates through different scheme are able to attend an International Quran Memorisation contest and even given the chance to perform hajj with their parents
  5. A network with well wishers to assist teachers by helping consolidate their salaries and renovate their madrasas.

Methodology

An Announcement is being made through out the concerned madrasas to vet their own and send the best students

Last year's Competition was done in three categories:

  • The batch of those who have memorised 5 chapters
  • A batch comprising of those memorising 15 Chapters
  • A batch of those who have memorised the entire Qur'an

Panel of Judges

The judges are comprised of 5 Teachers from external institution such Al-Azhar University other and two local Teachers. The judgement is based on the following points:

  1. Ability to memorise well
  2. Grammatical order
  3. Good rhythm
  4. Good sound

In the spirit of this noble work we congratulate the entire Riyadha Mosque and its leaders and hope to continue serving the Ummah in this region.