By: Abdul Razack Gbla
The prestigious National Female Qur’an Competition, organised by the Ibn Alie Network, is set to return for its fifth session on Sunday, 7th September 2025, at the Bintumani Conference Hall. With preparations already underway, anticipation is mounting for what has become one of the country’s most celebrated religious and educational events dedicated exclusively to female Qur’an reciters.
The competition, widely regarded as a hallmark of female excellence in Islamic scholarship, draws participants across Sierra Leone’s provinces. After a series of rigorous auditions, only five outstanding young women have secured their place in the grand finale, where they will showcase their mastery of Qur’anic memorisation and recitation before a distinguished audience.
Scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m., the event is expected to attract high-profile attendees, including Her Excellency First Lady Fatima Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, cabinet ministers, respected Islamic scholars, and an enthusiastic public. Dignitaries from the sub-region and beyond have also expressed interest in witnessing the event, showing its growing international significance.
The Ibn Alie Network, known for its commitment to nurturing Islamic knowledge and youth empowerment, describes the competition as more than just a showcase of talent—it is a spiritual journey that highlights the devotion, discipline, and intellectual strength of Muslim women in Sierra Leone.
With the competition date drawing nearer, the organisers are calling on the public to support the event and to offer prayers for the finalists. “We ask Allah to grant all our daughters success, confidence, and barakah,” a spokesperson for the network said. “May their efforts be accepted as sincere acts of worship.”
The National Female Qur’an Competition continues to serve as a Pillar of inspiration, aiming to uplift the next generation of Muslim women and to reaffirm the place of Sierra Leonean girls in the preservation and transmission of the Holy Qur’an.