By Aubrey Thom Vakhani
The Islamic Information Bureau (IIB) has emphasized the importance of promoting a reading culture among Muslim youths through initiatives such as book reading competitions.
Speaking on Saturday during the prize presentation ceremony for the 2025 winners, IIB Coordinator for Mzuzu, Sheikh Francis Iron, highlighted the significance of such programs in enhancing the knowledge of young people about their faith and academic performance.
“Our aim is to instill knowledge in our youths so that they can understand their religion and excel in their studies. Every year, we assign a specific book for participants to read and formulate questions based on it. Those who answer correctly proceed to the next level of the competition,” said Sheikh Iron.
This year’s competition featured the book “Chikhulupiliro Cha Msilamu.”
The annual competition, which starts during the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan, targets Muslim youths, both students and school leavers.
Now in its third year, the competition attracted 56 participants from Mzuzu, with 13 making it to the finals.
Ibrahim Issa emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of K80,000, a Chichewa-translated Qur’an [from IIB] and a ‘Keep It Halaal’ branded t-shit courtesy of Mzuzu-based ZB Fashions whose managing director, Issah Omar M’bwana has since promised that he will be supporting the competition by giving different ‘Keep It Halaal’ branded items to winners of the competition.
Expressing his gratitude to IIB for the competition, Issa said it had helped him expand his knowledge.
He encouraged fellow youths to participate in such competitions, saying they are beneficial.
“I am m thrilled to have won. I thank IIB for the competition, which has helped me learn more about Islam. I urge my fellow youths to participate, not just to win, but to read and gain knowledge,” he said.
Zainab Twaliki and Shamreez Mwenyeheri received cash prizes of K50,000 and K30,000 for finishing second and third, respectively. The IIB plans to continue hosting the competition in the coming years, further solidifying its commitment to fostering a culture of reading and learning among Muslim youths.
