The story of Burundian contestant Pentra Bushima Amin began when he was 14, after a Muslim friend invited him to learn about Islam and introduced him to the values, morals and virtues of the religion.
He found its teachings deeply moving and decided to embrace Islam, a decision witnessed by his family, with four of its members—including his parents and sister—also embracing Islam alongside him.
After embracing Islam, Pentra did not wait long to begin his journey with the holy Quran. He started memorizing it with strong determination and a genuine desire to learn, managing to memorize the entire Quran in just five months.
He then continued reviewing and reinforcing his memorization until he had mastered it.
Memorizing the Quran was not the end of his story, but rather the beginning of a new chapter of success. He later took part in a local competition in Burundi, which attracted around 500 participants, and won first place.
He was subsequently selected to represent his country in the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran. Just a few months later, he found himself at the Grand Mosque in Makkah among Quran memorizers from around the world.
Today, Pentra stands at the Grand Mosque in Makkah representing his country at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran, alongside 334 male and female contestants from 133 countries.
He reflects on the journey he has made in just one year—from the moment he embraced Islam to standing in Makkah with the Quran, taking part in a global competition for Quran memorizers.
Pentra expressed his thanks and appreciation to the leadership of Saudi Arabia for its care and attention to the Quran and its memorizers, and for organizing the competition, which has enabled him and Quran memorizers from around the world to visit the Grand Mosque.
Source: Riyadh Daily