Cairo: Jasour – News Desk
With mastery that reflects years of effort and diligent work, student Mohamed Ahmed Hassan from “Abu Qir Al-Azhari Secondary Institute” in Alexandria led the worshippers in Taraweeh prayers at Al-Azhar Mosque, reading in the narration of Qunbul from Ibn Kathir Al-Makki, on the ninth night of Ramadan. Behind him were thousands of worshippers from all over Egypt, with notable attendance from students from various continents, as well as visitors and residents of Egypt.
Al-Azhari student Mohamed Ahmed Hassan is one of those with exceptional insight who overcame obstacles and excelled in memorizing the Quran. He receives his education at Al-Azhar institutes in Alexandria and trains at Al-Azhar’s Quran Affairs Administration, which focuses on preparing and motivating Quran memorizers according to the authenticated readings. Since a young age, he has been distinguished for his precise memorization and exceptional recitation, qualifying him to participate in many Quran competitions.
In 2023, his efforts were crowned by winning first place in the Grand Imam’s Quran Memorization Competition, one of the most important and oldest competitions organized annually by Al-Azhar for its outstanding students. That moment was a testament to his perseverance and a confirmation of his diligence and excellence in memorization and recitation, despite the challenges, making him a model of determination and dedication in the pursuit of knowledge.
Winning first place in the Grand Imam’s Quran Memorization Competition in 2023 was just the beginning of a journey filled with achievements. He continued to shine the following year by achieving a new milestone by winning first place in the “Arab Reading Challenge” competition for individuals with special needs in 2024, surpassing more than 39,000 participants from various Arab countries. This reflects his determination to excel not only in memorizing and mastering the Quran but also in the field of knowledge and reading, making him a commendable model of willpower and resolve.
His selection today in 2025 to lead Taraweeh prayers at Al-Azhar Mosque is a continuation of this journey and a significant step in it, representing a recognition of Quran memorizers and Al-Azhar’s role in highlighting and supporting distinguished individuals among them. His recitation during Taraweeh prayers received widespread interaction from the worshippers, who were moved by his precise recitation and humility in reading, adding a spiritual atmosphere to the prayer.
Describing his experience after the prayer, Mohamed says: “Now the dream has come true, now I have the right to be proud of this honor that is unparalleled. It is the honor of memorizing and reciting the greatest book and leading prayers at Al-Azhar Mosque, the oldest scientific institution in history, the fortress of knowledge, the beacon of guidance, and the lantern of Islamic preaching around the world. Therefore, I thank from the bottom of my heart His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, may Allah protect him, and everyone who was a reason for this recognition.”
