Quran recitation contest 'stresses unity of Muslim nations'

The fourth Dubai International Holy Quran Awards competition got underway at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday. The Holy Quran recitation competition, which will last until Ramadan 19, were inaugurated by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum.

The competition will be held daily from 9pm to 2am and six or seven competitors will be tested daily. Each session is open to the public, both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Ibrahim Bu Melha, Attorney General and Chairman of the award, said in his opening address, "This award has unified the feelings of Muslim youths and prompted them to memorise God's words and stressed the unity of the Muslim nations no matter what the geographical distribution, colour or language.

"The gathering under the cause of the award is honourable and blessed as it also aims to strengthen relationships among Muslims from different countries. "Thanks to Dubai's Crown  Prince who established the award and followed it up with full financial and moral support."

Addressing the competitors, he said, "You are meeting here not to represent countries or communities, but to represent one nation no matter what your colour or tongue. The strongest relationship is the Holy Quran. It is an honourable deed to compete in memorising the divine words of God.

"All of you are winners. You have won by memorising the Holy Quran, and you will win if you implement its principles." "It is a great opportunity to celebrate the activities of the award with the safe return of President his Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is admired by people in Arab and Muslim countries."

Bu Melha  said that the award had succeeded in prompting youngsters to memorise and be attached to the Holy Quran. "In the award's first session, we had only three competitors who scored over 90 marks. Last year, the first 15 top rankers scored over 90. The winner scored full marks."