On 06 November, the city of Mogadishu witnessed a historic and emotional homecoming as Sheikh Abdirashid Sheikh Ali Sufi one of Somalia’s most celebrated Qur’an reciters and scholars returned to the country for the first time in 20 years.
His return marks a moment of great pride for Somalis worldwide, as he comes to inaugurate the charitable program “Khayrukum”, which will be launched at the Cali Jimcaale Mosque, and to lead a series of religious outreach activities across the capital.
Sheikh Abdirashid Sheikh Ali Sufi was born in 1964 in Harar and raised in Mogadishu. His father, Sheikh Ali Sheikh Abdirahman (Sheikh Ali Sufi), was one of Somalia’s most revered Qur’an scholars. Under his father’s guidance, the young Abdirashid memorized the Qur’an before the age of ten and grew up inside a home deeply rooted in Qur’anic learning.
He began teaching and leading prayers at his father’s mosque in Mogadishu before traveling across the Arab world from Egypt, Qatar, and beyond to spread the sciences of Qur’anic recitation. In October 1984, he joined the prestigious Institute of Readings in Egypt, earning a distinguished certification in the ten canonical Qiraa’aat.
His mastery of recitation and Tajweed soon earned him international recognition. In Qatar, he served as Imam and preacher of Anas Ibn Malik Mosque in Doha and worked in the Ministry of Awqaf. Throughout his career, he taught Qur’anic sciences at major Islamic institutions, including Al-Azhar’s branch, and lectured across the Middle East and Europe.
Today, Sheikh Abdirashid Ali Sufi is regarded as one of the most influential and widely admired Qur’an reciters in the world. His melodic voice, available on countless media platforms, has touched the hearts of millions. Somalia takes great pride in being the birthplace of such a distinguished scholar.
Somalia has long been recognized as a land of authentic Islamic scholarship, a country known for producing renowned Qaris, jurists, and students of major global Islamic universities. The return of Sheikh Abdirashid comes at a moment when Somalia’s security has significantly improved, giving reassurance to scholars and citizens alike.
For the first time in three decades, Sheikh Abdirashid returned home confident that Somalia is safer and more stable. His presence stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s peaceful Islamic heritage, one that sharply contrasts with the extremist Khawaarij, whose violence has harmed innocent lives and distorted the image of Islam.
The return of Sheikh Abdirashid was honored at the highest levels of government.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed him at Villa Somalia, where the two held a wide-ranging consultation.
The President praised Somali scholars for their pivotal role in educating society, countering extremism, and upholding social harmony. Sheikh Abdirashid expressed gratitude for the warm reception and prayed for the people and leadership of Somalia.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre also visited the Sheikh, welcoming him to the capital and joining citizens in their Friday gatherings.
Sheikh Abdirashid’s return is more than a visit; it is a symbol of revitalized national stability and a reaffirmation of Somalia’s identity as a centre of Islamic knowledge. With the launch of the Khayrukum program and his upcoming religious activities, Mogadishu celebrates not only a beloved scholar but also a renewed spirit of peace.