The Saudi Arabian Authority, on Wednesday in Makkah, honoured a Nigerian, Abdulrahman Salis, an indigene of Kaduna State for outstanding performance in Qur’an recitation (Qira’at) in Masjid Haram.
Dr Bello Abdulqadir, the Chairman of the Kaduna Qur’an Recitation Competition and Director of Islamic Affairs of the state’s Bureau of Inter faith, made this known in an interview with newsmen. He said that Salis had been the winner of the recitation in Kaduna State since 2013, adding that the winner also won the competition in Kaduna State in 2014 and 2016.
AbdulQadir also said that the ceremony was led by the Chief Imam of Masjidul Haram, Sheikh Abdulrahman Sudais. He noted that the winner had always been a dedicated and hard working student who always made his state and the country proud. According to him, Salis has memorised the entire 60 verses of the Holy Qur’an and has been representing Kaduna State in various Qur’anic competitions.
“He secured hajj seat through one of the state competitions that he emerge first and here in Makkah, he is recognised for an outstanding performance again,” Abdulaqadir said. “This winner has brought more bond between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria,” he added.
He, therefore, encouraged Muslim youths to emulate and always engage in seeking knowledge of the Qur’an through its recitation. Also speaking to newsmen, Salis commended the Saudi Arabian Authority for honouring him, saying “my success today is by Allah and I will continue to thank Allah for the blessings. “I came to Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage by Allah’s will and power.
“I was able learn a lot from different religious books and I also met Islamic scholars in Madina and Makkah. “It is indeed a great achievement in my life,” he said.
