Kano-born reciter Sa’ad Muhammad Sani beats contestants from several countries and receives award from Masjid Al-Haram imams

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

A 22-year-old Qur’an reciter from Kano State, Sa’ad Muhammad Sani, has emerged winner of a prestigious international Qur’anic recitation competition organised by the Imam Nafi’u Al-Madany Foundation in Saudi Arabia.

Sa’ad secured first place after outperforming contestants from several countries, including native Arab reciters. His victory attracted widespread attention on social media, where videos and photos from the competition were widely shared.

For his outstanding performance, he was honoured during the closing ceremony in Makkah by Abdurrahman Al-Sudais and Bandar Baleela, who presented him with awards and commendations.

The Imam Nafi’u Al-Madany Foundation competition is regarded as one of the notable international Qur’an contests, attracting skilled reciters from different parts of the world. Participants are tested in memorisation, Tajweed, and melodious recitation of the Qur’an.

Sa’ad’s achievement has been celebrated as a major source of pride for Kano State and Nigeria, with many describing it as a reflection of the country’s strong tradition of Islamic scholarship and Qur’anic education. Community leaders in Kano said the victory highlights the quality of training offered by local Qur’anic schools and memorisation centres.

Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from Islamic scholars, government officials and well-wishers across the country, many praying for greater success for the young reciter. Sa’ad is expected to return to Kano in the coming days, where plans are reportedly underway to give him a warm reception.

Source: Matters Arising