Crown Prince Awards Al-Quran Winners On Behalf Of His Majesty
By M K Anwar

Bnadar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office last night consented to grace the second night of the national-level Al-Quran reading competition on behalf of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The ceremony took place at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

Accompanying the Crown Prince were HRH Prince Abdul Azim and HRH Prince Abdul Malik. The royal guests were greeted on arrival by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Dr Ustaz Awg Hj Md Zain together with members of the Executive Committee for the competition.

The ceremony began with the recital of the Quran by the winner of the 2005 Al-Quran reading competition for secondary schools and higher educational institutions, Awangku Mohammad Adibul Amin bin Pengiran Hj Marzuki while its interpretation was read by Awg Hj Amy Noor bin Hi Yaakub, Mosque Affairs Officer at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Minister of Religious Affairs, in his speech, noted the sudden improvement in the competition especially with the participation of young al-Quran readers during the semi-finals.

Pehin Dato Dr Ustaz Awg Hj Md Zain, who is also the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the competition, said that in an effort to improve the quality of Al-Quran recital among the qari (mate) and qariah (female) readers that will represent the country at the international level, the ministry will initiate several intensive courses and training.

This year's competition was participated by four qari and four qariah.

The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the winners made by the chairman of judges for the competition, Pehin Dato Awang Hj Salim bin Hj Besar.

Before announcing the winner he acknowledged that several improvements that were seen throughout the competition by the participants. In particular, he noted the performances and quality of recital by the young participants during this year's competition.

First place in the male category went to Haji Ismail bin Haji Sulaiman with a mark of 91 per cent. He was also the winner of last year's competition.

Coming in second place with 90 per cent marks was 21 year-old Awang Fahmie bin Hj Awang Metussin. The third place went to Pehin Khatib Hj Mustafa bin Hj Murat, scoring 87 per cent.

In the female category, the winner was Siti Huzaimah Yadey binti Hj Rosli with a mark of 88 per cent. Coming in second was 21-year-old Dayang Norezah binti Hj Md Deli with a close 87 per cent mark while Hjh Maidah binti Hj Abd Rahman finished third with 86 per cent of marks.

The champions from both categories will represent the country at the International Al-Quran Reading Competition in Kuala Lumpur.

Shortly after the announcement, the winners of the male and female categories presented their recital of the Quran before another recital by two judges of the competition.

HRH the Crown Prince then consented to present prizes and souvenirs on behalf of His Majesty to the winners from both categories as well as other participants and judges.

Tobless the ceremony a Doa Selamat was read by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News