19 finalists await results of national Quran competition

A TOTAL of 19 finalists competed in the Memorisation and Understanding of Al-Quran National Competition yesterday at the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Headquarters in Gadong.

After defeating 120 contestants during the preliminary round in April, the top three winners of each competition category will be announced during the National Nuzul Al-Quran celebration on August 6 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The final round yesterday saw six contestants, aged 10 and below, vying for honours in Category A by memorising a selection of surah (chapters) from Juz 'Amma. Category B, those aged 15 and below, saw three contestants memorising the Surah-Surah Khas(special surah). Meanwhile, six contestants in Category C, open to all ages, were required to memorise Juzu' (sections) one to 15 and understand Juzu' six, while four finalists competed in Category D, open to all ages, which required the memorisation of all 30 juzu' of the Quran and an understanding of juz 17.

The competition's Chairman, Pg Hj Haslin Pg Hj Ali, stated that competitions of a religious nature are aimed at inculcating and fostering appreciation for the Quran among Muslims, particularly the younger generation, through the memorisation and understanding of the holy book. "Through this platform, Brunei has succeeded in producing a number of huffaz (reciters who have memorised the Quran) with potential," he said.

He lauded the growing participation of the younger generation, which he attributed to the efforts undertaken by the government and private religious schools, as well as Al-Quran classes organised by the Mosque Affairs Department.

"We believe, given the vast opportunities coupled with solid support and encouragement by His Majesty's Government, this worthy cause will be achieved," he said.

Gracing the event was Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdul Rahman Hj Ibrahim. Organised in collaboration with RBPF and PMO, the competition is one of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' annual projects to celebrate significant events in the Islamic calendar. The Brunei Times