Mogadishu, Somalia – Mogadishu’s Peace Garden turned into a sea of young faces on Friday afternoon as hundreds gathered to hear a lecture from Sheikh Abdirashid Sheikh Ali Suufi, one of the country’s most respected Quran reciters and religious scholars. The atmosphere was warm and expectant long before the scholar arrived, with groups of friends sitting in the shade of the trees, sharing water and waiting for the session to begin.
The event, centered on the teachings of the Quran and the value of brotherhood, drew a crowd that reflected the energy of a generation searching for grounding and guidance amid the pressures of daily life in the capital. Many of those who attended came straight from school, work, or madrasa, eager for a moment of reflection in a place designed for tranquillity.
As Sheikh Suufi began his lecture, the garden fell into a hush. His message focused on strengthening unity, nurturing compassion and restoring a sense of shared responsibility within families and communities. Listeners sat attentively, some taking notes, others nodding quietly as they absorbed the spiritual reminder.
For many of the young people present, the gathering offered more than religious instruction. It was a moment to feel connected—to their faith, to one another and to a broader national conversation about healing and cohesion. By the time the lecture concluded, groups lingered behind, discussing what they had heard and capturing photos to remember the afternoon.
The turnout underscored the enduring influence of respected scholars like Sheikh Suufi and the growing hunger among Somali youth for spaces that nourish both spirituality and community. In a city that often moves at a relentless pace, Friday’s gathering offered a rare and welcome moment of calm.