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Quran recitation contest begins

Abu Dhabi - There are many inspiring sights as most participants don't even open or look into the Holy Quran kept in front of them

A model of New Delhi's historic Jama Masjid makes the elevated centre stage at the Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) in Abu Dhabi. And for the past few days, just after the taraweeh prayers, the ISC main hall reverberates with melodious recitation of the Holy Quran, giving the place a feeling of mosque. The fourth annual Holy Quran Recitation Competition started at the ISC on Monday.
As many as 121 contestants registered for the competition and 18 shortlisted participants are competing in five categories - whole Holy Quran, five parts, 10 parts, 15 parts and recitation and pronunciation of the whole Quran. Apart from Indians, there are participants from the UAE, Syria, Egypt, Sudan and other countries.
There are many inspiring sights as most participants don't even open or look into the Holy Quran kept in front of them. Most of them have memorised the whole text.
Among them is brother-sister pair of Sinan Mohammed and Yumna in the open age category for recitation. Sinan had memorised the holy book when he was just 10. Both are happy with their efforts and hope to win when the results are announced on Friday.
The participants include 12-year-old Shahd Wael El Shahhat from Egypt and Kotaibah Abdul Muin Daas from Syria in 15 parts and 10 parts categories. Each participant has a different variety of rendition, which makes the job of judging panelists, all approved by the Ministry of Awqaf, a difficult one.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com