Dubai: Renowned Islamic scholar from Madina and one of the longest serving Imams of the Prophet’s Mosque Shaikh Dr. Ali Bin Abdurrahman Al Huzaifi has been named the Islamic Personality of the year at the 22nd edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA).
The announcement was made on Friday night on the sidelines of the annual Quran contest by Ebrahim Mohammad Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Head of DIHQA Organising Committee.
Shaikh Huzaifi is among the leading Islamic scholars in the world and one of the most respected voices in the Islamic world.
Leading prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque for more than four decades, Shaikh Huzaifi is followed across the Islamic world for his soulful recitation of the Holy Quran.
“Shaikh Huzaifi has been leading Muslims in prayers and teaching them Islam in one of the most sacred spots on earth, the Prophet’s Holy Mosque; a leading hub and a main source of inspiration for Muslims all over the world,” said Bu Melha, making the announcement during a press conference at Dubai Chamber.
Bu Melha added that Shaikh Huzaifi has been leading prayers and preaching at the Prophet’s Mosque for so many years that his name has been attached with these great services in the hearts and minds of Muslims everywhere.
“His beautiful, slow and deep recitation of the Holy Quran is so appealing and inspiring that worshippers listen carefully, think deeply, and spiritually interact with the verses he recites,” said Bu Melha.
Shaikh Huzaifi has a PhD from Al Azhar University. He teaches several Sharia sciences, including the Qiraat (Art of Quran recitation) at the Islamic University in Madinah.
He also chairs the scientific committee that revises the Quranic copy of the Madinah Mus'haf, besides being a member of the committee in charge for recording the recited Mus'hafs at the King Fahd Holy Quran Printing Complex.
“We are honouring Shaikh Huzaifi for his tireless service of Quran and Islam in his multiple roles. This honour will definitely give pleasure to all Muslims who follow him in prayer, listen to his soulful recitations of the Quran, or have been taught by him,” added Abu Melha.
DIHQA’s Islamic Personality of the Year Award is among the most prestigious rewards in the Islamic World, honouring the leading scholars and institutions of the Islamic world for their services to the Holy Quran over the last 22 years.
Last year the award went to Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, while several luminaries of the Islamic world were honoured in the previous editions including, former Bosnian President Ali Ezzat Begovic, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmad Al Tayeb, and Dr. Abdurrahman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, Grand Imam of the Holy Mosque in Makkah.
The Award will be presented during the closing ceremony of DIHQA on Tuesday evening.
