Jane Salihu
As efforts to preserve authentic Islamic teachings gather momentum across Africa, the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema has called on Muslims to complement Qur’an memorisation with a deeper understanding and memorisation of the Hadith, describing both as indispensable to moral development and peaceful coexistence.
The call was made on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema Hadith Competition held at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Established in 2015 by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the Foundation operates in 48 African countries, including Nigeria, where it promotes Islamic scholarship, moderation, dialogue and peaceful coexistence through educational programmes, conferences and competitions. The Hadith competition is one of its flagship initiatives, with successful participants advancing to continental finals in Morocco.
Speaking with journalists after the event, the Imam of the National Mosque, Barrister Haroon Mohammed Eze, said the competition was organised to recognise and encourage young Muslims who had devoted themselves to memorising the sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
He explained that while millions of Muslims memorise the Qur’an, equal attention should be given to preserving the Hadith, which contains the practical teachings and guidance of the Prophet.
“The event is organised to celebrate the intellectual effort that our children and our brothers and sisters are putting into preserving the teachings of Islam. We should not only focus on memorisation of the Qur’an; we should also preserve the teachings of the Prophet as contained in the Hadith,” Eze said.
According to him, Islam places knowledge at the centre of human development, but knowledge only becomes valuable when it is translated into action.
“It is not only to memorise; it is also to memorise, understand and implement. If you have knowledge and you don’t practise it, then it is no knowledge at all.”
Eze said ignorance remained one of the greatest causes of immorality and insecurity, stressing that adherence to the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadith would produce responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to national development.
He noted that the competition also demonstrates that many young Muslims across Nigeria remain committed to preserving authentic Islamic knowledge despite modern-day challenges.
Also speaking, one of the judges and host of the ceremony, Dr. Abdul Ganiyu Adetunji Tijani, described the annual competition as a timely intervention aimed at safeguarding the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad amid increasing misconceptions about Islamic teachings.
According to him, this year’s competition focused on the Prophet’s character and personality, with participants required to memorise 100 Hadith across three categories, demonstrate knowledge of their chains of narration and explain key concepts contained in the traditions.
He disclosed that over 500 participants from different parts of Nigeria registered for the competition, while only 15 finalists emerged after a month-long online screening exercise.
“The competition is open to everyone. After a month-long online screening, we selected 15 finalists who competed today,” he said.
Tijani said the finalists represented states including Kwara, Kogi, Katsina, Borno and Kaduna, adding that winners would represent Nigeria at the African regional competition before proceeding to the international finals in Morocco.
He said winners received certificates, cash prizes, transport support, accommodation and feeding throughout the competition.
Beyond the prizes, Tijani said the Foundation’s primary objective is to nurture Muslims whose lives reflect the values contained in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
“Our goal is not just the competition. It is about ensuring that the teachings they memorise become valuable in their lives and influence their conduct,” he said.
He urged Muslims, particularly young people, to pursue beneficial knowledge that builds character, warning that education without integrity and moral values cannot solve society’s challenges.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding participants as organisers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the initiative across Africa to strengthen authentic Islamic scholarship, promote moderation and encourage peaceful coexistence.
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