His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Mufti, was among distinguished adjudicators at an international Holy Qur’an competition organized by Al-Hikma Foundation.
The prestigious event took place at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, March 1, 2026, drawing hundreds of thousands of Muslim faithful from across Tanzania and beyond.
Dr. Sheikh Bukenya travelled from London, where he is currently hosted for the entire holy month of Ramadhan to lead special Taraweeh night prayers. His participation as a judge highlighted Uganda’s growing contribution to international Islamic scholarship and Qur’anic excellence.
The competition was graced by several high-profile dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar; Hon. Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of Tanzania; and His Eminence Dr. Abubakar Zubair Ali, the Grand Mufti of Tanzania, among others.
According to media reports, the atmosphere at the stadium was filled with excitement as competitors from different countries delivered melodious and captivating recitations of the Holy Qur’an. The annual event has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated religious gatherings, celebrating excellence in Qur’anic memorization and recitation.
At the conclusion of the competition, winners were announced as follows:
Abdu-Rahman Yasser, a 13-year-old Ugandan national – First Runner-up
Muhammad Mustafa, a 20-year-old Canadian national – Second Runner-up
Shuaib Muhammad Shafii, a 25-year-old Swedish national – Third Runner-up
Bilal Ahmad from Mexico – Fourth Place
All participants received gifts and awards in recognition of their exceptional talent and dedication to memorizing the Holy Qur’an.
The event underscored the unifying power of faith and scholarship, bringing together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of devotion, discipline, and spiritual excellence.
