The Mohammed VI Foundation for African Olena has enjoined the memorisation of the documented sayings of prophet Muhammad, Hadith as a way of enhancing morality and preserving the teachings for future generations.
Speaking at the National Hadith Memorisation Competition in Abuja, the Director of the Institute, Dr Abdulganiyu Adetunji said the completion of the Hadith Memorisation will encourage young students to be outstanding members of the society
He described the annual competition as timely, especially at a period when the teachings and traditions of the Prophet are increasingly being challenged.
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“This is the third edition of the competition, and we pray it will continue for many years. It is very significant for our community because it helps preserve the authentic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. A Muslim cannot fully understand the religion without understanding the Sunnah of the Prophet,” the Director stressed.
Dr. Abdulganiyu explained that this year’s competition focused on the Prophet’s character, personality, and noble qualities. He said contestants competed in three categories covering the memorisation of 100 Hadiths.
According to him, the first category required participants to memorise 40 Hadiths together with their chains of narration (Isnad), which establish the authenticity of the Prophet’s sayings.
The second category involved memorising 30 Hadiths alongside explanations of key terms, while the final category required contestants to memorise another 30 Hadiths and demonstrate knowledge of Hadith sciences, including methods for verifying authentic narrations.
He noted that the competition attracted more than 500 applicants from across Nigeria through an open online registration process. After a month-long screening exercise, 15 finalists from states including Kwara, Kogi, Katsina, Kaduna, and Borno qualified for the national finals.
Continental Competition
The judge disclosed that the top three winners in each category would represent Nigeria at the continental competition alongside participants from other African countries before advancing to the final stage in Morocco.
In addition to certificates, the winners received cash prizes, while all finalists were provided with transportation, accommodation, and feeding throughout the competition.
Dr. Abdulganiyu, however, stressed that the primary objective of the competition goes beyond prizes.
“Our main goal is not merely the competition itself but ensuring that the Hadiths these young people memorise shape their character, strengthen their faith, and positively influence their daily lives,” he said.
Also speaking, the Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Barrister Haruna Mohammed Eze, said the competition demonstrates the commitment of young Muslims to preserving the teachings of Islam.
He explained that the Hadith, alongside the Holy Qur’an, forms the foundation of Islamic knowledge and has traditionally been preserved through memorisation and proper documentation by generations of scholars.
“Today’s event celebrates young Muslims who have devoted themselves to memorising the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It is also meant to encourage others to preserve not only the Qur’an but also the Hadith, which remains an essential source of Islamic guidance,” the Imam explained.
Barrister Eze noted that true knowledge extends beyond memorisation, emphasising that understanding and practising the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith are essential for building moral character and promoting peaceful coexistence.
According to him, individuals who combine knowledge with practice become better members of society and contribute positively to national development.
Better Members of Society
Some of the students who speaks to Voice of Nigeria express their gratitude to the foundation and pledge to represent Nigeria at the international stage with commitment and patriotism.
The Mohammed VI Foundation for African Oulema, established by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, operates across several African countries to promote authentic Islamic scholarship, religious education, peaceful coexistence, and intellectual exchange among Muslim scholars.
