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Women’s category added to Quran recitation contest

SHARJAH — A new category has been added to the Central Region Holy Quran Award — Sharjah, making it possible for women to compete in the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Quran.

“A new category, the first of its kind, has been created for those women to encourage them to memorise and keep in touch with the Holy Quran,” Dr Shaikh Mahmoud Arusi, General Coordinator of the Central Region Holy Quran Award – Sharjah, said, adding that winners stand to receive handsome gifts.

Dr Arusi said the finals of the second edition of the Award, which started in Al Dhaid city on Sunday morning, saw a significant participation of more than 100 Quran circles for boys and girls from all over the Central Region of Sharjah. “As many as 205 contestants are competing in this session, including 101 boys and 104 girls and housewives,” he said.

“The award, organised by the Holy Quran and Sunnah Foundation in Sharjah, is in line with the emirate’s efforts to develop a new generation with an excellent command of the rulings and recitation of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

Dr Arusi said that male contestants would be tested in the Ammar bin Yasser Masjid (Mosque) while women would be tested at Al Dhaid Ladies Club. “Male participants are competing in five categories such as the complete Quran, 20 parts of the Quran, 10 parts, five parts and two parts.”

“Female contestants are competing in four categories such as 15 parts of the Quran, 10 parts, five parts and two parts.” Dr Arusi said the participants, even if they are illiterate, are only required to memorise two parts of the Holy Quran. “The names of winners will be announced soon and given special gifts.”

Dr Arusi then indicated that the standards set are in line with international Holy Quran awards, in terms of the rulings of Quranic pronunciation, intonation and recitation. “This will help bring about competent memorisers up to the level of the Sharjah Holy Quran Award slated to start by the end of this April.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com