Jigeeni Half-Die United has held its second edition of Quranic Competition and Awards ceremony of Imams and Oustasses at Hagan and William Streets in Banjul.
The event, held at the weekend, brought together community members to honour local religious leaders and showcase the talents of young Quran scholars, reinforcing the values of faith, tolerance, and togetherness.
Ya Tenneng Njie, president of Jigeeni Half-Die, said the initiative aimed at mending community divisions and strengthen bonds among Half-Die residents. “The Quran teaches us unity, tolerance, and compassion,” she said, adding: “The event is a way of bringing people together to celebrate our shared faith, and remind us of the values that bind us.”
Miss Njie said the Quranic Competition featured young participants from various Daras, who impressed attendees with their deep knowledge and recitation of the holy book.
She highlighted that the event’s dual purposes are to unite the women of Half-Die and inspire children to pursue their religious education. “The main goals were to bring together all women of Half-Die under one umbrella and to see the kids go higher,” she explained.
She urges parents and elders to support the younger generation in learning their Deen, emphasizing the critical role of education and moral grounding.
She added that the country’s Imams and Oustasses were awarded for their unwavering dedication to promoting Islamic principles and nurturing the spiritual health of the community.
Each woman in attendance received a scarf and certificate, symbolizing their shared commitment to the initiative.
“We are a committed youth group in the Greater Banjul Area notably from Banjul South (Half-Die) named ‘Jigeeni Half-Die United’. We are a non-political and non-partisan organization,” she emphasised.
Lamin Gaye, regarded as the father figure of Jigeeni Half-Die United, echoed these sentiments. “This event is a powerful reminder that we are all part of one community,” he said. “We must work together to overcome challenges and build a brighter future for our children.”
Mr Gaye further said the success of the inaugural event has set a promising precedent, with Jigeeni Half-Die United aiming to make it a cornerstone of community life in Banjul.
The day concluded with a heartfelt call for ongoing unity and collaboration. Organizers expressed hope that the event would encourage residents to embrace tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding while continuing to support local religious leaders and institutions in fostering peace and harmony.
