TEDx Talks - Résilience et engagement civique | Elhadj Ibrahima Ousmane Bah | TEDxSandervalia
The speaker reflects on their upbringing in Kindia, where they balanced formal education with religious studies, particularly memorizing the Quran. This dual focus was driven by their parents' expectations, with strict consequences for not meeting them. The speaker excelled in Quranic memorization, winning national and international competitions, which led to opportunities to represent Guinea abroad. Despite a lack of understanding of Arabic initially, they pursued further education in Islamic studies to deepen their knowledge. They later transitioned into law, inspired by notable legal cases and figures in Guinea. After completing their legal education, they joined the public service, working in the Ministry of Justice and later in religious affairs. The speaker emphasizes the importance of resilience, faith, and community support in overcoming life's challenges. They advocate for peace and order, drawing on religious teachings to guide their actions and responsibilities as a citizen and public servant.
Key Points:
- Balancing religious and formal education was crucial in the speaker's upbringing.
- Winning Quranic competitions opened international opportunities.
- Pursuing law was inspired by significant legal cases in Guinea.
- Resilience and faith are essential in overcoming life's challenges.
- Advocating for peace and order is guided by religious teachings.
Details:
1. 🌟 Gratitude and Humble Beginnings
1.1. Expression of Gratitude
1.2. Reflection on Humble Beginnings
2. 📚 Education and Quranic Studies
- Children were required to learn and recite the Quran at home, with strict adherence to this practice enforced by withholding meals if not followed.
- The father played a significant role in enforcing Quranic study, while the mother was more demanding and could independently enforce punishment.
- Prioritizing Quranic education at home was essential, and there was a cultural emphasis on respecting the father's authority in these matters.
- The cultural context of Quranic memorization is deeply rooted in the tradition, emphasizing discipline and respect for parental authority.
- These practices significantly influence children's educational development, instilling values of discipline and respect from a young age.
3. 🏆 Achievements in Quranic Competitions
- The international Quran memorization competition has been held in Guinea since 1981, and this year marks its 43rd edition.
- The speaker, having memorized the Quran, was encouraged by his community to represent Kindia in the national competition.
- He achieved first place in the Republic, illustrating his exceptional memorization skills.
- In 1998, as a laureate of the Republic, he was invited to represent Guinea in the international competition held in Mecca.
- He was among the top five finalists in this international competition, showcasing his high level of proficiency.
4. ⚖️ Journey into Law and Public Service
- The speaker pursued law at the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences, inspired by a high-profile trial in Guinea in 1994-95, which featured notable legal professionals.
- Successfully passing a public service recruitment exam, the speaker began working at the Ministry of Justice within the Judicial Training and Documentation Center.
- This center is instrumental in providing training for magistrates, lawyers, and judicial auxiliaries, ensuring comprehensive legal education is available.
- The speaker has a keen interest in Islamic law and aims to broaden their knowledge through comparative law studies.
5. 🌍 Islamic Studies and Further Education
- In 2009, admission to the Islamic University of Medina marked a pivotal step in further education.
- The focus was on learning rather than working, emphasizing the importance of education in the field of Islamic studies.
- Financial support through scholarships played a crucial role in enabling the pursuit of education abroad.
- Enrollment in the Faculty of Quranic Sciences was driven by a passion for the interpretation and understanding of the Quran.
- The pursuit of knowledge in Quranic sciences was seen as a lifelong vocation and was executed successfully.
6. 🎓 Returning Home and Professional Growth
- Upon returning to the country, the individual was appointed to roles within public service, including as a legal advisor and special consultant for religious affairs.
- The person was entrusted with specific functions which enhanced their professional scope, such as handling complex legal and religious issues that required strategic insight and decision-making.
- Since the arrival of the CNRD, the individual has taken on the role of Secretary-General in the religious affairs department, overseeing the implementation of key policies and reforms aimed at improving public service efficiency.
7. 🔑 Overcoming Life's Challenges
- To overcome life's challenges, it is crucial to arm yourself with a firm vision, unwavering courage, and confidence in a higher power.
- Success is dependent on being surrounded by supportive elements and maintaining a strong belief system.
- Without these, achieving goals can be incredibly difficult, but with divine assistance, overcoming hurdles becomes possible.
8. 🤝 Civic Responsibility and Religious Duty
- Citizens have an inherent responsibility to their land, population, and government, reflecting a civic duty to contribute positively to society.
- Believers are inspired by historical figures like prophets and saints who sacrificed for humanity's benefit, guiding them through modern challenges.
- In Guinea, religious individuals face specific challenges, such as maintaining faith amidst societal pressures, highlighting the importance of adhering to divine guidance to avoid societal disorder.
- There is a strong emphasis on not causing harm to the country, whether through violence or environmental damage, as these actions are contrary to divine teachings.
- Understanding one's role as a creature with a creator fosters a commitment to not harm others, aligning with both civic and religious responsibilities.
- Religious life is perceived as extending beyond earthly existence, with the promise of reward for those who follow the divine path, reinforcing the motivation to act ethically in civic matters.
- Individuals feel indebted to their community for personal development, recognizing the collective effort in shaping one's character and values.
9. 🙏 Acknowledgment and Thanks
- The speaker expresses gratitude towards individuals from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds who have contributed to their learning and growth.
- There is a specific emphasis on acknowledging the trainers and educators who have had an impact, suggesting a focus on cross-cultural education and mentorship.