Quran recitation contest begins

Head of the organising committee Ibrahim Bu Melha said the five-section competition, which is one of the nine-category Dubai International Holy Quran Award, is aimed to discover, sponsor and qualify Quran talents and tuneful voices.

“Children aged 15 or below may participate in the first age group known as ‘Quran Toddlers’ while the second group billed ‘Quran Youngsters’ is open for people who are 15 to 25 years and the third called ‘Quran Youth’ is for those who are 26 years or above.”

There are further two groups — one for Masjid Imams and one for Muazens (caller for prayer).

Bu Melha, who is also adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs, said participation is open to the public, be they Emiratis or expatriates, provided they show good performance whether in reciting the Holy Quran or Azan-giving.

Ahmed Sager Al Suwaidi, Head of the Competition and Memorisation Unit, said this session is seeing a significant rise in the number of participants. “As many as 493 contestants are competing in this session against 431 in 2010.”

The five categories span 156 toddlers, 89 youngsters, 83 youth, as well as 90 masjid imams and 90 muazens. “The big number of participants reflects the contest’s success and development.”

Tests are being held at the Hassan Shaikh Masjid in Twar-2 area after the afternoon) prayer each day. While imams were tested on Sunday, youngsters can appear for tests today, youth tomorrow, muazens on Wednesday and toddlers on Thursday. Contestants from Al Ain will be tested on Friday while those from Abu Dhabi will appear for tests on Saturday.

“Each participant is given three minutes to show his best performance in recitation before a panel of three highly competent judges,” he said. “The final tests will be held from May 15, and winners will be announced only in the closing ceremony on May 20.”

Explaining, Suwaidi said valuable prizes await the first 15 winners — three contestants from each age group or category. “The first three winners in the first category will be gifted Dh10,000, Dh7,000 and Dh5,000, respectively, while the best trio in the second category will be presented with Dh15,000, Dh10,000 and Dh7,000, respectively.”

In the third category, those who come in the first three positions will get Dh20,000, Dh15,000 and Dh10,000, respectively; the first three imams will get Dh30,000, Dh25,000 and Dh20,000, respectively; and the winning muazens will be entitled to Dh25,000, Dh20,000 and Dh15,000. Appreciation certificates will also be given to the contestants in all categories.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com