Holy Quran Award contest starts

The Dubai International Holy Quran Award yesterday announ-ced the commencement of the Holy Quran recitation and memorisation competition. The event is held under the patronage of Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The opening, at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Auditorium yesterday, was attended by Sheikh Mak-toum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Seventy contestants of various nationalities have arrived in the UAE to take part in the competition which runs till December 3 (Ramadan 18). The competition opened with a speech by Ibrahim Bu Melha, chairman of the organising committee and Attorney General of Dubai Prosecution.

Dr Harib said it is a great occasion to meet every year to study the Holy Quran in a competition which is the best, and an award which is the best as well. He quoted the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) as saying: "The best amongst you is he who learns Quran and teaches it."

The launch of Dubai Holy Quran Award in its fifth edition stresses virtues to care for the Holy Quran and honour those who memorise it, and it is in keeping with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed, he said.

"But for the success granted by Almighty Allah and the interest of Sheikh Mohammed, the award wouldn't have reached the international level attested by those who took part in it," he added.

"May Allah reward Sheikh Mohammed for this event and every other deed of his." He expressed hope that the competition would contribute to creating a generation who abide by the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).

"We welcome them all in Dubai and the UAE, among their families. We also welcome prominent scholars and members of the judging panel. May God bless them all," he said. Seven contestants from Palestine, Holland, Uganda, Iraq, Somalia, Romania and Middle Africa opened the first day's competition.