On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the Mali branch of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema hosted the national preselection round for the third edition of the prestigious Nabawi Acharif Hadith Memorization Competition at its headquarters in Banankabougou. After a rigorous day of assessments, three outstanding candidates were chosen to represent Mali in the upcoming international final, where winners from 49 countries will compete.
The preselection phase aligned with the directives of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema’s High Council, drawing 50 participants from Quran memorization centers and madrasas across Bamako and other regions of Mali. This national competition serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the foundation’s broader mission of nurturing young minds in African societies.
Through this initiative, the foundation seeks to inspire Africa’s youth to embrace the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Its core mission focuses on fostering values such as tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and moderation—principles deeply rooted in these sacred texts.
Mali’s winning trio advances to international stage
The competition featured three distinct categories: elementary level (40 hadiths), intermediate level (30 hadiths), and advanced level (30 hadiths). Each category tested the participants’ precision, recall, and understanding of the prophetic traditions.
- Ahmad Sow claimed first place in the elementary category, demonstrating exceptional memorization skills.
- Mouhamad Diallo secured victory in the intermediate category, showcasing his deep comprehension of the hadiths.
- Boubacar Traoré emerged as the top performer in the advanced category, highlighting Mali’s talent in preserving sacred knowledge.