By: Hope Times News Desk
The Foundation of Islamic Information (Sierra Leone) Limited (FOISIL) has concluded its annual retreat with renewed commitment to strengthening the organization’s mission and unveiling an extensive roadmap for the 13th National Quranic Memorization Competition (NQMC), scheduled for February 2027.
The retreat, held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Makonkonde Village in the Western Area Rural District, brought together FOISIL executives, regional coordinators, and members from across Sierra Leone to assess the organization’s activities, reflect on the previous edition of the National Quranic Memorization Competition, and outline plans for the upcoming contest.
According to the organization, the annual gathering served as a platform for meaningful discussions, strategic planning, and spiritual reflection aimed at strengthening members’ dedication to promoting Islamic education and preserving the noble tradition of Quranic memorization across the country.
Participants engaged in presentations, deliberations, and interactive discussions focusing on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the previous competition. Members also exchanged ideas on improving future editions to ensure broader participation, enhanced transparency, and higher standards in the selection of competitors.
One of the key outcomes of the retreat was the announcement of the official timetable for the 13th National Quranic Memorization Competition.
FOISIL disclosed that registration for prospective participants will officially open on September 1, 2026, and close on October 30, 2026. The organization said the registration period will allow participants from all regions sufficient time to complete the necessary procedures through designated regional coordinators.
The organization further announced that the entire month of November 2026 has been dedicated to regional knockout competitions, which will determine the best contestants from across Sierra Leone.
The regional knockout schedule is as follows:
- Eastern Region: November 7, 2026
- Southern Region: November 8, 2026
- Northern Region: November 14, 2026
- North Western Region: November 15, 2026
- Western Area: November 22, 2026
FOISIL explained that the knockout rounds will provide equal opportunities for participants nationwide to demonstrate their mastery of Quranic memorization before progressing to the next stage of the competition.
In a move aimed at improving the quality and credibility of the national contest, the organization also introduced an additional assessment stage into the competition framework.
Following the regional knockouts, the first and second-best contestants from each region will participate in a vetting session and mini memorization competition on January 3, 2027. The exercise, according to FOISIL, is intended to identify the strongest representative from each region before the national finals.
The organization said the new measure has been incorporated into the competition’s guidelines to ensure that only the most qualified participants advance to the grand finale.
The 13th National Quranic Memorization Competition is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2027, at the Fourah Bay College Amphitheatre, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
FOISIL disclosed that the national event will not only feature Quranic memorization contests but will also include a variety of side attractions showcasing Islamic culture and educational activities. Various Islamic organizations and Muslim institutions are expected to participate in the day’s programme, making it one of the country’s major Islamic gatherings
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Quranic education, moral development, and unity among Muslims while encouraging young people to deepen their understanding and memorization of the Holy Quran.
FOISIL added that comprehensive information regarding registration requirements, eligibility criteria, and the list of regional coordinators responsible for processing applications will be announced to the public ahead of the registration period.
The Foundation expressed optimism that the upcoming edition of the National Quranic Memorization Competition will attract increased participation from across Sierra Leone and further advance its objective of nurturing excellence in Quranic memorization and Islamic scholarship among the nation’s youth.