Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called on Muslims, especially the young ones not to abandon the recitation of the holy Qur’an as memorizing it assists the mental development of the reciters.
The governor gave the advice yesterday in Ilorin at the closing ceremony of the Qur’an and Hadith Competition organised by the Cultural Attache Office of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Abuja and As-Sunnah Academy of Da’awah and Research, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The competition involved six categories, each featuring brilliant reciters and memorizers of the Qur’an/Hadith.
The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Saba Jibril.
Speaking with journalists on the sideline of the event, the governor said it was imperative for the Muslim faithful, particularly youths, to pursue the knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith.
AbdulRazaq described the holy book as the root and science of all knowledge and tasked the faithful to dedicate themselves to its regular recitation and study. He congratulated the organisers and winners of the competition for being successful hosts.
He pledged the commitment of his administration to create an atmosphere that allows for peace and religious tolerance among all faiths in the state.
The Cultural Attache of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria and chief host, Sheikh Dr. Nami Ibn Jaarillah Asshamari, on his part, said the competition was a testament to the dedication of Saudi Arabia to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Noble Messenger.
He said his country is committed to fostering the foundations for peaceful coexistence among the people of the world and to showcasing the true voice of Islam based on the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah.
The Director of As-Sunnah Academy of Dawah and Research, Kwara State, and Chairman Local Organising Committee, Prof Abdulrazaq Abdulmajeed Alaro, said the event served to spur mental development and positive exposure, especially among the youth.
