Makkah: From the farthest reaches of Tanzania, where the voices of Quran recitation rise from modest memorization centers, comes the story of Tanzanian Hassan Suleiman Omar, director of a Quran memorization center. He found himself in Islam's holiest land, accompanying his daughter as she competes in the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in Makkah.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Hassan recalls those defining moments with emotion: 'We received the news with great anticipation, joy, and overwhelming happiness.' The joy did not stop at the family's doorstep but spread to Tanzanians across the country. 'The joy was not limited to the father and mother; it swept through the entire family when they learned that we would board a plane bound for the holy city,' Hassan reflected. 'In fact, all of Tanzania rejoiced at the news,' he continued.
A video capturing their arrival and stay at a hotel near the Grand Mosque was widely shared in Tanzania, reflecting deep appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to them in Saudi Arabia. Behind this remarkable participation lies a journey of dedication and perseverance led by Hassan through his management of a Quran teaching center. The center serves around 300 male and female students, who are divided into memorization circles covering various parts of the Quran.
Although this is the first time girls from his center have taken part in the major international event, with previous participation limited to boys, the experience has brought about a profound shift in his aspirations for the future.