DETERMINATION, perseverance and consistency are what took
the 15-year-old Zahara�u Ahmad Alhassan to the enviable position in women
category at the just concluded National Qur�anic Recitation Competition held
in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Triumph at her
parents� residence in Jan-Bulo, Kabuga Housing Estate, young Zahara�u said,
she had been angling the enviable position in the last four years.
The first time she tried, she told Daily Triumph,
she came third in the state contest which disqualified her from reaching the
national competition.
Zahara�u remained undeterred as she pursued her ambition
with zeal and vigour despite the fact that she had been taking second
positions in the two subsequent trials.
However, her determination, perseverance and consistency
paid this year when she came first among women reciters, a position which
qualified her to represent Kano state at the national contest in Birnin
Kebbi, she stressed.
At Birnin Kebbi, young Zahara�u did not only repeat her
Kano performance but also beat the imagination of the indefatigable judges
who pronounced her winner.
Asked on the secret behind her success, Zahara�u
attributed it to prayers, handwork especially in reading as well as the
support of her parents and teachers.
She particularly noted the contribution of her mother
whom she said taught her how to memorise the whole Qur�an at early age.
She also recognized the contributions of her teachers who
helped her in Tajweed and Tafsir of the Qur�an such as Malam
Musa Ali, Malam Nazir, Malam Ubali and Malama Umali.
On how she felt when pronounced best reciter, Malam
Zahara�a said it was a moment uncompared to any in the world.
�I honestly felt like being granted Al-janat
(heaven) and in my life I have never been so happier. I thank God,� she
stated.
Malama Zahara�u however has words for the government: �My
advice to the government on education is to build more special scholars on
memorization of the Qur�an, employ more qualified teachers and fund them
well.�
She also needs more encouragement to prospective
competitors from the society and government through giving adequate support
and assistance to winners of Qur�anic recitation competition.
Young Zahara�u received various prizes including a car, Hajj seat,
household items, textile materials, electronics, cash and many more.
