BY Hakim Hayat

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office officiated the opening of the finals of the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults for 1443 Hijrah/2022 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas last evening.

Also in attendance was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

On arrival, Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by Minister of Religious Affairs, who is also Chairman of the competition’s Executive Committee Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, and State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, as well as other senior officials and executive committee members.

A total of 12 Qaris and Qariahs are competing in the three-day competition that will conclude with the announcement of results tomorrow evening. Three Qaris and three Qariahs performed last evening.

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin, in his opening remarks said 53 individuals, comprising 40 Qaris and 13 Qariahs, competed nationwide in the semi-final rounds, an increase from the previous year. He said the increase is a testament to the improvement in the quality of participants as well as a rise in the number of young Qaris and Qariahs.

The minister added that the executive committee has invited a Hafiz and Hafizah from Indonesia, aged 12 and 14, one diagnosed with cerebral palsy and the other visually impaired since birth.

The minister said it is nothing short of a miracle that comes from Allah the Almighty and Al-Quran that they have memorised 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran.

The contest, themed Bertemankan Al-Quran Sepanjang Zaman (Companionship with Al-Quran Throughout the Ages) this year, will continue tonight with recitations from the remaining Qaris and Qariahs to determine the champion, who will be announced tomorrow.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin