Ali Sheikh
Nairobi, Kenya.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Sunday presided over the official opening of the 4th Sheikh Ali Sufi International Quran Recitation Competition at the Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi.
The week-long global contest has drawn 30 outstanding memorizers (huffaz) and reciters (qaris) from 20 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Participants will compete in various categories that test exceptional mastery of memorisation (hifdh) and recitation (tajweed) of the Holy Quran.
A distinguished panel of six international judges—each representing a different country—will evaluate the competitors, ensuring rigorous, world-class standards of assessment.
In his address, CS Duale called on Kenyan Muslims and the wider global ummah to remain firmly anchored in the teachings, values, and moral guidance of the Holy Quran.
“Let us allow the Quran to guide our actions, our families, our communities, and our nation. Its message of peace, justice, and compassion is needed now more than ever,” he said.
The competition is organised by the renowned Qari Sheikh Abdirashid Ali Sufi, who is currently based in Qatar, in collaboration with the Ansar Sunna Islamic Organisation under the leadership of Sheikh Abirazak Abdullahi Adan. Organisers emphasise that the annual event aims to promote peace, unity, and spiritual enrichment through the timeless eloquence of the Quran.
The colourful opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished scholars and leaders, including Sheikh Abdirashid Ali Sufi of Qatar; SUPKEM National Chairman Hassan Ole Naado; Sheikh Prof. Ahmed Issa Al-Ma’sarawi of Egypt; Sheikh Dr. Waleed bin Idrees Al-Maneese of the United States; and Sheikh Prof. Sohail Mohammed Iqbal of Kenya, alongside numerous other prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders.
The competition will run throughout the week, culminating in the grand finale and awards ceremony next weekend at the same venue.
Since its inception, the Sheikh Ali Sufi International Quran Recitation Competition has grown into one of East Africa’s most respected Islamic events, attracting world-class reciters and nurturing appreciation of Quranic arts among younger generations.