Global Orphans Quran Competition 'Rofaqa' Crowns First Winners

The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), in collaboration with Qatar Charity, recently crowned the inaugural winners of the "Rofaqa" global orphans branch. This specialized category is a significant addition to the prestigious Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Competition. The event saw prizes and top honors distributed across three distinct categories, specifically designed to recognize participants' varying levels of achievement in the competition's first edition. This new branch shows a commitment to nurturing the spiritual and educational development of orphaned youth worldwide.

Competition Scale and Reach

The inaugural edition of the competition drew an impressive 389 sponsored orphan contestants, all ranging in age from 12 to 20 years. This substantial initial participation noted the widespread interest and dedication among young orphans to Quranic studies. From this initial group, a rigorous selection process led to 278 contestants, representing 20 different countries, successfully advancing to the preliminary rounds. These preliminary stages were key in identifying the most proficient memorizers. The competition culminated with 30 finalists from eight countries traveling to Doha to participate in the final stages. These dedicated young individuals showcased their exceptional memorization skills in the Qatari capital, competing for top honors in the 'Rofaqa' category. The event noted the global participation and extensive reach of the initiative, bringing together young orphans from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their profound dedication to Quranic studies. The sheer scale of participation, from the initial 389 contestants to the 30 finalists, shows the program's unwavering commitment to supporting and recognizing the talents of sponsored orphans worldwide, providing them with a unique platform for spiritual growth and recognition.

Prize Winners and Categories

In the complete Quran memorization division, Abdulgani Abdulqadir Sheikh secured first place, receiving a prize of QAR 15,000 for his outstanding achievement. Abdulrahman Qasim Mohammed followed closely, taking second place with a prize of QAR 12,000, demonstrating remarkable dedication. Abdulrahman Ahmed Mahmoud earned third place and QAR 10,000, completing the top three in this highly challenging category. Significantly, all three top winners in the complete Quran memorization category are from Somalia, showcasing the strong Quranic tradition within their community.

For the 20 parts memorization category, Mohammed Qamaruzzaman from Bangladesh achieved first place, awarded QAR 10,000 for his excellent performance. Humam Mamoun Ziadeh from Syria claimed second place, receiving QAR 8,000, reflecting his diligent efforts. Mohamadi Gumtebo Nana from Burkina Faso finished third, earning QAR 7,000, an impressive accomplishment for his level.

In the 10 parts memorization category, Mohammed Tafsir Amad Jalo from Gambia won first place with a prize of QAR 7,000, demonstrating his strong memorization skills. Najm Al-Thaqib Chowdhury took second place, receiving QAR 5,000, and Rehad Islam Mohammed Zahir secured third place with QAR 3,000. Both the second and third place winners in the 10 parts memorization category proudly represent Bangladesh, noting the nation's talent in this competition.

Strategic Objectives and Impact

This initiative aligns directly with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf)'s strategic objectives. These objectives fundamentally focus on anchoring Islamic values and promoting sustainable community impact through various programs. The competition directly supports the human and social development pillars outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030, aiming to build a thriving and educated society. By fostering Quranic memorization among orphans, the program seeks to contribute significantly to the spiritual and educational growth of young individuals, providing them with a strong foundation in their faith. The Ministry of Awqaf's deep involvement shows a steadfast commitment to integrating religious education with broader national development goals, providing a platform for participants to develop their skills, reinforce cultural heritage, and build self-confidence. The deliberate selection of orphans for this specific competition notes a targeted approach to supporting vulnerable populations within the framework of Islamic teachings and broader community upliftment, ensuring these young individuals receive special attention and opportunities for development.