Malaysia to host international Quran competition starting July 16

Malaysia will host the 53rd edition of the International Quranic Reciters Assembly from July 16 to 23 at the Dewan
Merdeka in the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

Islamic Advancement Department of Malaysia’s (Jakim) Director-General Othman Mustapha said  81 Qari (male Quranic reciters) and Qariah (female Quranic reciters) from 50 countries would be taking part in the assembly.

This year’s winner in each category will take home RM32,200 as compared with RM12,800 last year while the runner-up and third placed reciters will receive  RM22,400 and RM13,600 respectively, he said.

The consolation prize is RM4,800.

Taranum Recital

Othman said this year’s edition of the International Quranic Reciters Assembly would not have the rules on ‘Bacaan Taranum’ introduced two years ago at the local competitions as the panel of judges opined that the participants have different style and qualities in reciting the Quran.

The judges have found that the quality of Quranic reciting among the assembly’s participants have improved over the years and they would be given marks based on fasohah (vocabulary), taranum, vocal and tajwid (pronounciation).

Jakim also provides the opportunity for the participants to improve their reciting qualities by providing the Tahsin course prior to the assembly.

Othman also said the participants would be taken to visit exhibitions, quiz events as well as seminars related to Quran.

Quranic culture

He said Malaysia being an Islamic country is committed in inculcating the Quranic culture among the present generation.

This is to inculcate the people with interest in reciting and understanding the contents of the Quran apart from applying the holy book’s principles in the day to day life affairs, said Othman.

He said the assembly with its theme ‘Understanding is the Basis of People’s Unity’ is geared at enhancing the ties among Islamic nations.

“Understanding among the Muslim communities is essential in creating strong and formidable ties that will reinforce the solidarity of Muslims in the world.

“This is important as it acts as the shield and tool to overcome various threats and allegations that try to destabilise and compromise the harmony among Muslims,” said Othman.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is scheduled to grace the opening of the event on July 16 while the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong the Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah will officiate the opening ceremony.

Malaysia will be represented by Negeri Sembilan’s Qari Amirahman Abas and  Qariah Suraya Abu Hassan of Johor. The duo emerged as the champion in the respective Qari and Qariah category at the 54th national-level Quranic Reciters
Assembly held recently.

The reciters assembly is held from 8.15pm to 11pm nightly. It is also available live on television at TV1 as well as Jakim’s web TV at www.islam.gov.my.

– Bernama