Mohammed VI Foundation holds Third Annual Hadith Competition in Accra

The Ghana branch of the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Oulema has organised the third edition of its Annual Hadith Competition in Accra, with a call on Muslims to deepen their knowledge of the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad.

The competition, held on Saturday, June 27, brought together 27 contestants from the Northern, Ashanti and Greater Accra regions to compete in various categories of Hadith memorisation.

The annual event is aimed at promoting Islamic scholarship, preserving the Prophetic traditions (Hadith), and encouraging young Muslims to strengthen their spiritual knowledge and religious practice. It also seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance of the Hadith in guiding the daily lives of Muslims.

Speaking to journalists after the competition, the President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Oulema, Ghana Branch, Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to King Mohammed VI of Morocco for initiating and supporting programmes that encourage the study of the Hadith across Africa.

He said such initiatives had inspired many young Muslims to develop a deeper understanding of Islam through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, and urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to study the Hadith alongside the Holy Qur'an.

Sheikh Ibrahim, who is also the Chairman of the Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services (ICODEHS), cautioned against views that advocate adherence to only the Qur'an while rejecting the Hadith.

According to him, the Hadith serves as an essential explanation of the Qur'an, providing practical guidance that enables Muslims to fully understand and implement Islamic teachings.

He stressed that the Qur'an and the Hadith complement each other and remain fundamental sources of Islamic guidance.

Competition results

The contestants competed in three categories.

In Category One, which focused on the memorisation of 40 selected Hadiths together with their chains of transmission, Abdul Salam Ibrahim emerged winner, while Ayisha Ilyas Ali Mushkar placed second and Abass Iddris came third.

Category Two, which required contestants to memorise 30 selected Hadiths on the noble character, manners and physical qualities of Prophet Muhammad, was won by Abdallah Alhassan. Abdul Muhsin Murtada took second place, with Mohammed Dawud finishing third.

In Category Three, contestants memorised 30 Hadiths highlighting the unique virtues and special characteristics of Prophet Muhammad. Bashir Edris Suleiman secured first place, Ahmed Tijani Al-Awal came second, while Abbass Alhassan placed third.

The overall winners in the three categories, Abdul Salam Ibrahim, Abdallah Alhassan and Bashir Edris Suleiman will represent Ghana at the forthcoming All-Africa Hadith Competition.

The Mohammed VI Foundation for African Oulema continues to promote Islamic education, peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue across the African continent through educational and religious initiatives, including its annual Hadith competition.

Source: Muhammed Faisal Mustapha