Winners of Dubai Int’l Holy Quran Award Announced
The concluding ceremony saw the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and the National Olympic Committee, senior officials, dignitaries, sponsors and members of the public.
Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and DIHQA chairman, said 23-year-old Muath Mahmoud Amir Bin Hamid of Libya, won the top position and got a prize money of Dh250,000.
"Both Ahmed Achiri of Morocco and Ibrahim Maazou of Niger ranked second, and were presented with a prize money of Dh200,000.
The other top seven included Ahmed Bashir Aden, USA (4th), Aymen Brahem, Tunisia (5th), Omar Ahmad Hasan Aga (6th), Syria, Abdelaziz Choukri, Algeria (7th), Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim, Kenya (7th), Abdulla Khalifa Ebrahim Khalifa Hamdan, Bahrain(7th), and Alsawi Abdullah Ahmad, Saudi Arabia (7th), he added.
"The 4th, 5th, and 6th winners received Dh65,000, Dh60,000, and Dh55,000 while the remaining four winners got Dh50,000 as they all ranked seventh scoring the same marks."
The contestants, who scored (80 per cent) and above, were rewarded with Dh30,000 each while those scoring (70-79 per cent), received Dh25,000 each, and those scoring less than (70 per cent) got Dh20,000 each. Appreciation certificates and cash prizes were also given to other participants.
Bu Melha said the award, which started with two sections in 1997, has branched out to 14 categories.
"Full Quran memorizers from over 160 countries have chipped in the award over its 23-year procession, he added. "The award has become a leading hub for male and female Quran memorizers from across the globe."
The award has also given accolades to Islamic personalities, including leaders, scholars, and entities in appreciation to their dedication and remarkable services to Islam and Muslims, he stated, according to Khaleejtimes.com.
Bu Melha advised the winners to implement whatever they memorized and turn it into a reality. "Mull over Quran verses, reflect and observe its ethics and principles, set a shiny example for others, and feature the tolerance of Islam and its refined teachings to mercifully and wisely call for Islam."
