04 Oct 2006
Dubai: The 10th session of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) is witnessing a thrilling competition between qualified and young contenders, said Dr Saeed Hareb, DIHQA's Organising Committee Vice-Chairman.
"The reason behind this sharp competition is because the competition's unit makes each contender sit for a scientific and primary test before taking the stage and participating in the contest every night," said Dr Hareb.
He said the unit has eliminated three contenders for their weak performance in the primary tests. "Our scientific and challenging method in testing the contenders' level has urged most countries to send their best and young representatives," he said.
The DIHQA has topped the long list of similar contests worldwide due to superb organisation and full support of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said Dr Hareb.
DIHQA has been cooperating with a group of elite Muslim scholars and top researchers to reach such a high level of excellent organisation and reputation, said Dr Hareb.
He lauded the regional and international media for covering DIHQA's events. He said: "DIHQA's Organising Committee has deliberately selected well-reputed, knowledgeable and outspoken Muslim scholars who delivered diverse religious lectures which were beneficial on the scientific, cultural, doctrinal and ideological level besides faith."
He said Channel 2006 was launched specially to cover DIHQA's activities and events.
First person: Youngsters focus on holy book
Daoud Ahmad Abdullah is an 18-year-old Palestinian secondary student who used to memorise three pages of the Quran a day when he herded sheep.
Abdullah, from Beit Lahm, was among Monday's participants. He memorised the Quran in six months when he was 13 years old. "The Quran teaches the individual to be modest, benevolent and pious."
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Rabih Rashid Zareef from the northern city of Akkar in Lebanon said he memorised the Quran in a mosque, where he used to study two pages a day. He wants to become a Muslim scholar.
Thirteen-year-old Iraqi, Ahmad Muwaffaq Abboud, came with his mother to participate in DIHQA. "I started learning the Quran at the age of nine and completed it within two years," said Abboud. He plans to become a doctor and at the same time continue studying the Quran.
By Bassam Za'za
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
