By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Winners of the annual holy Quran recitation competition have for the first time been given awards donated by the head of state.
The president of Somaliland Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo has given hefty awards to youthful winners of the annual Quran recitation completion 2013 held in Hargeisa by participants representing all the country’s regions.
The first to fourth place winners, their religious tutors and competitor organizers were astounded when the head of state invited them to the presidency for purpose of bestowing the awards he, the president, had contributed, a first of its kind in the country.
The top prize of a brand new car, Mark II, went to master Abdirizaq Abdilahi Mohamed from Sool region who also received gold imposed Holy book and not declared amount of cash in US Dollars.
Second prize of a laptop, a golden watch, and gold imposed holy book and $1000 went to Master Mahdi Hussein of Maroodi-jeeh Region (Hargeisa)
Master Abdishakir Mohamed Ahmed a competitor from Wajale town in Gabile region who placed third was awarded with a brand new Samsung Galaxy 3 Mobile, a golden watch; gold imposed holy book and $800 in cash.
Representing Togdeer region was Master Abdishakur Ahmed Mohamed who placed fourth and took home to his eastern based city of Burao a golden watch, gold imposed holy book and $500 in cash.
The head of state upon congratulating the winners, teachers and event organizers urged the youth to take seriously the study of the Holy Scriptures which not only help mould character but also augments other forms of education.
The event held annual during the holy month of Ramadan is not only an opportunity for youthful Islamic scholars to compete with others but an eagerly awaited opportunity by the instructors to showcase their tutorial prowess through their students.
At another function the Vice president Abdirahman Abdilahi Sayli officiated at the Hadith competition awards ceremony at Mansoor hotel in Hargeisa where he broke the fast and had dinner with category competitors, Tutors and event organizers before Breaking their fast at Hargeisa’s Mansoor hotel
