14/09/2025
*International Qur’aan Recital Awards 2025 concludes in Cape Town*
The International Qur’aan Recital Awards (IQRA) successfully took place from 12 to 14 September 2025 at Masjidul Mubarak, Belhar, Cape Town.
Organised by the South African Qur’aan Union, Madrasah Tarteelul Qur’aan, Awqaf SA and Masjidul Mubarak, the event continues to serve as a platform to train upcoming local reciters for international competitions and to maintain high standards of recitation.
Preceded by preliminary programs throughout the country, the three-day national event was the culmination of months of hard work and preparation. The competition results are as follows:
Junior Category
1. Musab Allie, Cape Town
2. Mudathir de Vries, Cape Town
3. Rayhaan Abubakr, Malawi
Intermediate Category
1. M. Nathiem Adjiet, Cape Town
2. M. Talgha Allie, Cape Town
3. Ismaeel Ahmed, Cape Town
Senior Category
1. Gaazim Adams, Cape Town
2. M. Raees Amanjee, Johannesburg
3. Ahmed Loonat, Mozambique
Open Category
1. Abdul Muizz Lakay, Cape Town
2. Zaakir Docrat, Pietermaritzburg
3. Zahir Kamaldien, Cape Town
Champ of Champs
In the special feature known as the ‘Champ of Champs’ category, winners from previous competitions competed in an open-aged recital challenge alongside national winners from Zanzibar and Tanzania. Contestants were required to recite from a randomly selected, unprepared portion of the Qur’aan.
1st Place: Ahmad Saalim (Tanzania)
2nd Place: Abdurahmaan de Vries (Cape Town)
3rd Place: Mi’raaj Khamis (Zanzibar)
Recitals were evaluated according to strict international standards by a panel of qualified Qur’aan experts:
Qari Mahmoud Abdussalaam (Egypt) and Sheikh Ismaeel Berdien (Cape Town) judged the section of Tajweed.
Muhammad Salaah Sha’rawi (Egypt) adjudicated the section of voice.
Qari Anwaarul Hasan (Pakistan), a world-renowned reciter, judged the section of Presentation.
In his address, Qari Anwaarul Hasan praised the efforts of the participants, quoting the Qur’aanic verse: “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Hujuraat, 49:13). He reminded contestants that success is not in rankings, but in striving for precision in recitation and maintaining consciousness of Allah.
The event highlighted the 1,500-year prophetic legacy of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Contestants’ verses were carefully chosen to align with this theme, which was eloquently expanded upon by Moulana Ilyaas Samaai and Moulana Waasief de Vries, who explored various characteristics of the noble Prophet.
Founder member and head of the organising committee, Sheikh Muntahaa Kenny, described the event as a success in fulfilling its aim of recognising and developing local talent to international standard. He emphasised the value of including international contestants, which enriches both local and foreign participants, and strengthens healthy competitiveness among the youth.
Sheikh Muntahaa also acknowledged the role of dedicated families, citing the achievements of the Allie and De Vries siblings, who collectively secured top positions across multiple categories.
The organisers extended appreciation to partners and sponsors, including Rygate Tactical Solutions, Bagazio, Lodge 36 on Shaanti, St@y 1-BnB, Akays Photos and HML Acoustics.
They further expressed gratitude to all role players for their contribution, while highlighting the need for greater support to sustain projects of this nature. Institutions and individuals are invited to partner with the organising committee in preparing for next year’s IQRA.
Visual recordings of the event are available on the South African Qur’aan Union’s Facebook and YouTube platforms.
For further information, contact:
Sheikh Muntahaa Kenny
Mobile: +27 83 377 3216
Email: [email protected]
