More Quran schools urged to help guide young

The Libyan Consul General in Dubai, Abdul Salam Ahmad Al Dawi, praised the efforts of the DIHQA Organising Committee for holding this international Quran forum that unites Muslims around the world.

"There should be more Quran schools to help in guiding the younger generations properly thus leading to a better Muslim society," he said.

Speaking about the Libyan schools for teaching the Quran, he said, "We have many schools that teach the Quran. There are several local Quran recitation contests in addition to an international one." Al Dawi revealed that one of the humanitarian foundations in Libya organises Quran recitation contests for women.

About naming the chief scholar and veteran Quran reader of the Makkah Holy Mosque, Dr Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, the Islamic Personality, 2005, the Libyan Consul General said, "He deserves it. All those who were chosen for this Award deserve it."

Ebrahim Mohammad Bu Melha, the Chairman of the DIHQA Organising Committee, and the Saudi Consul in Dubai, Humoud Farraj Bin Nader, received Dr Al Sudais who arrived in Dubai early yesterday morning.

Dr Al Sudais will be honoured tonight at the DIHQA's closing ceremony that will be held at the Heritage Village in Shindagha. The names of the winners will also be announced tonight.

The last six contenders of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award competed at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The six contenders, from Somalia, Libya, Netherlands, Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Iraq were the last among a group of 78 competitors who have been competing since Ramadan 8 (October 11).

The 19-year-old Somali Abdul Nasser Shaikh Mohammad was the first contender to recite the Quran on Friday. He teaches religious studies at Dar Al Eman Secondary School. He memorised the Quran in one year between 1997-98.

The DCCI's grand theatre hosted more than 500 persons including VIPs, dignitaries and the DIHQA organising committee members.

The 18-year-old Libyan contender, Rahal, is currently studying engineering in Ali Najjar Secondary School.

The Iraqi competitor, Abdullah Khalid Mohammad, is currently studying medicine at Baghdad University. He memorised a full chapter only through listening.

Convict memorises Quran in three years

A 55-year-old Pakistani convict, sentenced to death for trading in drugs, has fully memorised the Quran in three years, said Shirzad Abdul Rahman Taher, an Iraqi Muslim scholar who teaches the Quran to prisoners with the DIHQA.

He said, "The Pakistani, identified as M. R., is facing capital punishment. He was sentenced a few years ago for trading in drugs. He is an internationally known drug peddler."

Taher said the convict in this case doesn't get a reduced term even if he memorises the Quran.

"The Quran had an enchanting effect on the inmate. Even though he knew that he couldn't benefit from the initiative, he came and asked me to teach him the Quran.

Thank God he memorised it in three years and regularly prays five times a day. That's a blessing from God.

" The scholar also praised the Dubai government's initiative to reduce an inmate's imprison term if he memorises the Quran.