DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has urged Muslims across the country to continue fearing God and dedicate time to studying and reciting the Holy Quran as a divine guide to righteous living.
Dr Biteko made these remarks on Sunday in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the Quran Competition 2025.
“I urge you not to lose heart when encountering differing interpretations; do not let yourselves be discouraged or disheartened. Instead, let this competition serve as a model and use it as an opportunity to spread the teachings of Islam globally,” Dr Biteko stated.
He further encouraged the participants to pray for guidance, so that the Quran may elevate them in their various endeavours.
He echoed the theme of this year’s competition, “Let the Quran uplift you, not bring you down.” Dr Biteko explained that the Quran offers life lessons and that its journey began in madrasas.
Over time, its significance grew, leading to local, district, regional, and eventually international competitions, extending across East Africa, the African continent and finally becoming a global competition.
“These competitions not only encourage the recitation of the Holy Quran and deepen the understanding of reverence for the Almighty, but they also help enhance Tanzania’s image on the world stage,” Dr Biteko added.
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He said the roles of Prophet Moses, who guided his people with the Torah, Prophet David, who used the Psalms, Prophet Jesus (Isa), who spread the Gospel and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who used the Holy Quran to guide his community.
“Each of these guiding books teaches humanity good character, urging individuals to embrace virtuous qualities and avoid harmful behaviours,” Dr Biteko explained.
Dr Biteko also praised the Al-Hikma Institution for its efforts in organising and growing the Global Quran Memorisation Competition.
Director-General of AlHikma and Chairman of the World’s Largest Quran Competition, Sheikh Nurdin Kishk said that the competition has expanded every year due to the love and commitment to memorising the Quran.
He extended his gratitude to the government for its support and approval for the competition, which is set to be held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on March 16th, this year.
Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, is expected to be the guest of honour.
“This competition, organised by Al-Hikma Foundation, has made a lasting impact and is now being emulated by other nations. The Largest Quran Competition in Africa is now recognised as the largest Quran competition for all continents,” Sheikh Kishk said.
