Tanzania Muslims’ council to address moral decay through Quran Recital Competition

Dar es Salaam. The Muslims’ Council of Tanzania, popularly known in its Kiswahili acronym as Bakwata, has announced plans to utilize the World Women’s Quran Recitation Competition as a platform to educate the public about moral decay.

This initiative aims to tackle the increasing concerns over moral issues that have been affecting Tanzanian society.

The Bakwata Secretary, Sheikh Nuhu Mruma, said in a phone interview with The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi on Tuesday that the competition, being held for the first time in Tanzania, will serve as a key forum for discussing and addressing the nation’s moral challenges.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan will grace the event on Saturday, August 31. The event will feature participants from 12 countries.

“The Quran offers comprehensive guidance and teachings. By promoting a deeper understanding and adherence to its principles, we hope to reduce and eliminate moral decay in our society,” said Sheikh Mruma.

He explained that the event will include various speeches and discussions on moral issues alongside the competition.

The decision to use the competition as a platform for moral education follows a rise in incidents of moral decline, such as child abuse, which have caused significant concern among Tanzanians.

Sheikh Mruma emphasized that while details of the speeches cannot be disclosed at this time, they will address these pressing issues.

A member of the council for scholars of the religion Islam (Ulamaa Council) at Bakwata Sheikh Ally Ngeruko, also touched upon the issue of moral decay, stating that it is a major challenge facing the nation.

He expressed hope that the involvement of Quran memorization participants, including children and women, will help combat this issue.

“We pray that through the guidance of the Quran, we will be blessed with righteous leaders and a transformation in our moral standards,” Sheikh Ngeruko said.

Mufti Abubakar Zubeir confirmed that this will be President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s first attendance at a Quran memorization competition.

The event will also mark the launch of a new electronic Quran. “This competition, attended by esteemed scholars from around the world, is a significant occasion. We anticipate seeing outstanding performances from competitors from 12 countries,” Mufti Zubeir stated.

He encouraged widespread public participation, underscoring the event’s focus on unity, professionalism, and national solidarity. “The Quran belongs to everyone. We invite the public to join us in large numbers to pray for peace and support this unique event dedicated to women,” Mufti Zubeir added.