Islamic Affairs Minister Launches President of Republic’s Award Competition for Memorization and Understanding of Mahadra Texts

The Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, Mr. El Fadhil Ould Sidaty Ould Ahmed Louli, oversaw the launch of the sixth edition of the President of the Republic’s Award competition for the memorization and understanding of Mahadra texts on Tuesday in Nouakchott.

His Excellency the Minister toured the examination halls and observed the progress of the competition, which features the participation of 131 contestants, including seven young women.

In a statement to the Mauritanian News Agency, the Minister explained that this award, initiated by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, aims to enhance the role of the Mauritanian Mahadra (traditional Islamic school), which has been a bright symbol for the country.

He added that this competition reflects the President’s interest in science and its practitioners, strengthening the role of the Mahadra—an institution that has long distinguished Mauritanians through the memorization and understanding of Mahadra texts. He also highlighted that the President’s initiatives to bolster the role of the Mahadra and religious sciences have included, among other things, the establishment of the House of the Holy Quran (Dar Al-Mushaf Al-Sharif) and the Supreme Council for Zakat.