Seven contestants sit final tests on Dihqa Day-4

Dubai,UAE

Sallam Sallam

With the seven more contestants examined on Day-4 of the 23rd Dubai International Holy Quran Award (Dihqa) on Friday, 28 full memorisers have so far sat final tests of the global competition.

The fourth day of the annual competition saw the presence of Ibrahim Mohamed Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Dihqa Chairman, and Members of the Organizing Committee.

Sponsors of the fourth day, including the Union Coop, Alserkal Group, Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, senior officials, dignitaries, members of diplomatic corps, and the audience were also present.

The fourth night of the competition saw seven competitors. These included Doucoure Oumar, Congo Brazzaville, Ali Khalid Jasim Ithawi, Iraq, Muhammad Mamun Jobe, Gambia, Ahmed Achiri, Morocco, Sayed Ahmad Noori, Afghanistan, Jamil Ssemakula, Uganda, and Muhammad Abdullah Seedat, Portugal.

Sponsors hail Dihqa organizing committee for their tireless efforts

Saeed Mohammed Al Naboodah Al Suwaidi, CEO of Culture and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said they are so happy and proud to co-sponsor the activities of the award.

“The 23-year-old global competition is booming, and that is another reason for us to chip in and be part of this shinny procession and always boost this special strategic partnership.”

All Dihqa Quran contests play a significant role in spreading the values of tolerance compassion, culture, knowledge and science, and “serving the Quran which is an integral part of the UAE identity and culture.”

The astounding success of the Award and all its 14 branches is a first blessing from Almighty Allah, and then the fruit of the relentless efforts of the Dihqa organizing committee, he added.

“The sponsorship of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may Allah be pleased with him, also speaks volume.”

Naboodah then lauded the naming of H.E Juma Al Majid the Islamic Personality of the Year. “It is indeed a timely and well-earned recognition owing to his great efforts and diverse cultural, educational, religious, humanitarian and charitable locally and worldwide.”

Abdullah Mohammed Rafi, Board Member, Union Coop, thanked the Dihqa Organizing Committee led by Ibrahim Mohamed Bu Melha, and all members of the organizing committee.

“Dubai International Holy Quran Award is an exceptional platform for all Quran memorisers from around the world to compete in a fair and well-rewarded setting that is inspiring for others.”

“Naming H.E Juma Al Majid the Islamic Personality of the Year is a timely and well-earned recognition owing to his inspiring and numerous cultural, educational, and charitable services.”

Fahd Alserkal, the rep of Nasser Al Latif Alserkal Establishment and Nasser Alserkal, expressed his admiration of the high level of Dubai International Holy Quran Award which he sees as the top Quran competition in the world.

“This blessed award has become a hub for full Quran memorisers from around the world,” he said, thanking His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for generously sponsoring and supporting this prestigious award.”

“Naming H.E Juma Al Majid the Islamic Personality of the Year is a timely and well-earned recognition owing to his inspiring and numerous cultural, educational, and charitable services.”

Mohamed Mehad Alsuwaidi, Director of Mosque Religious Service, Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, thanked the Dihqa Organizing Committee for encouraging Quran memorization worldwide.

He then congratulated H.E Juma Al Majid for being chosen as the Islamic Personality of the Year. “It is a well-earned recognition owing to his inspiring and numerous cultural, educational, and charitable services.”

Contestants reflect inspiring journeys with Quran

21-year-old Ali Khalid Jasim Ithawi, who represents Iraq in the competition, is a university student of Arabic language and literature.

“I stared memorizing the holy Quran at the age of 12 and finished three years later when I was 15 at the hands of Quran teacher in the mosque of the town back home.”

This prominent imam has played an important role in my journey with the holy Quran, he added.

“He used to encourage me to learn the Quran by heart, and that really inspired me to memorize the Quran in full, just like my four brothers, the elder of whom is a full Quran memorizer.”

“The Sunni Endowment Court has nominated Ali for the Dubai International Holy Quran Award and the Kuwait International Holy Quran Award.”

However, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award is the biggest worldwide in terms of organization, services, and prizes. “I am so grateful to all members of the organizing committee for warm reception, support, and encouragement.”

‎15–year–old Muhammad Mamun Jobe, who represents Gambia in the global competition, stared memorizing the holy Quran at the age of 12 and finished two years later when he was 14 at the hands of his father and brother.

“My brother has had the honour to participate in this prestigious competition in 2017, and managed to secure the second place.”

Jobe’s seven siblings are all Quran learners. “I wish to be an Imam and teach the Quran to others,” he said, thanking the organizing committee for the “great services and cooperation.”

20-year-old Ahmed Achiri, who represents Morocco in the competition, stared memorizing the holy Quran at the age of nine and finished two years later when he was 11 with the help of his parents.

Achiri, who studies Sharia at the Mohammed VI University, wished to be a scholar in the science of Quran Qiraat or schools of recitation.

“The ministry of Islamic Affairs has nominated me for the Dubai International Holy Quran Award this year, and before that for the Sudan international competition n which I secured the top rank,” he said, thanking the organizing committee for the “great services and cooperation.”

21-year-old Sayed Ahmad Noori, Afghanistan, stared memorizing the holy Quran at the age of 15 and finished in just 10 months. “I used to memorize he Quran six hours per day.”

Noori’s father was a great help for him. “He used to encourage me to learn the Quran by heart and did the same with my three brother.”

‎Noori, a university student of Sharia, has been nominated by the ministry of Haj and Endowment in recognition to his outstanding performance.

“I wish to be a scholar in the futuer,” he said, thanking the organizing committee for the “great services and cooperation.”

24-year-old Muhamideen Saleh Abdulbasit, Philippine, stared memorizing the holy Quran at the age of 17 and finished two years later when he was 19 with the help of his parents. “My brother, a full Quran memorizer, was also a great help for me.” 

The Dubai International Holy Quran Award is one of the biggest worldwide, he added. “It is a dream for all Quran memorisers to chip in,” he said, thanking the organizing committee for their warm reception and perfect organization.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Mohamed Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Dihqa Chairman, honoured the sponsors of the fourth day, and presented valuable prizes to the audience as per a raffle draw.