Islamic leaders in Nyali Constituency announced plans to roll out an Islamic Musabaqah aimed at strengthening religious teachings among the youth, amid growing concern over rising social vices and moral decline within communities.
Musabaqah (or Musabaqa) is an Arabic term for “competition,” widely used in Islamic contexts, especially for prestigious contests involving Quranic recitation, Arabic language skills, Islamic arts and cultural expression, judging factors like Tajwid (pronunciation rules), voice (melody/nagham), fluency, and depth of knowledge.
About 200 imams, ustadhs and Islamic teachers, drawn from 55 mosques and 58 madrasas across Nyali, convened under the auspices of the Elkana Jacob Foundation to chart a collective path toward nurturing faith, values and community cohesion.
The forum also brought together representatives from key Islamic institutions, including the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK).
Addressing the gathering, Ustadh Salim Said Hussein of Madrasa Khushui emphasized the need for sustained collaboration among religious leaders and institutions to safeguard Islamic teachings for future generations.
“We must do everything within our means to preserve our religion. Our youth need strong Islamic guidance, and foundations such as the Elkana Jacob Foundation should work closely with other stakeholders to uphold our cultural and religious values,” he said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Aula Hamisi Aula, Chairperson of Muungano wa Walimu Nyali Constituency and imam of Masjid Ijaba in Maweni, Ziwa la Ng’ombe Ward, who observed that the influence of religious leadership was gradually diminishing.
“As religious leaders, our guiding role is weakening. We must realign ourselves with our core teachings and reclaim our responsibility to guide society,” he said.
The planned Islamic Musabaqah a Qur’an and Islamic knowledge competition targeting young people is expected to commence in mid-January 2026 and run throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Organisers say the initiative is designed to promote Islamic education, discipline and moral uprightness among the youth.
Ustadh Khatib Salim Swaleh Wayu Odha of Ziwa la Ng’ombe Ward noted that the initiative had gained renewed momentum after facing early setbacks.
“We shared this vision with many people but received little support. When we engaged Elkana Jacob, he listened and embraced the idea. Together, we are committed to advancing this agenda,” he said.
Elkana Jacob, a political affairs strategist, media consultant and criminologist, who also serves as patron of the Elkana Jacob Foundation said religion remains central to social stability and personal development.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with Islamic leaders and other faith groups to promote peace, education and moral values in Nyali.
He further expressed concern over cases of gender-based violence and abuse within communities, calling for closer collaboration between religious leaders and security agencies to safeguard vulnerable members of society.
“These incidents should alarm us as a community. This forum was convened to ensure we speak with one voice as religious leaders and work closely with relevant authorities to address such challenges decisively,” he said.
The forthcoming Islamic Musabaqah will be held across Nyali’s five wards Kongowea, Frere Town, Mkomani, Kadzandani and Ziwa la Ng’ombe with organisers expressing optimism that it will play a key role in nurturing responsible and morally grounded youth.
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