The National Level Al-Quran Memorisation and its Understanding Competition for 1446 Hijrah aims to instill a deep love for Al-Quran among Muslims, especially students, youth, professionals and civil servants, by encouraging them to memorise and understand its teachings, Acting Director of the MABIMS Centre for Al-Quran Studies and Dissemination Mohammad Ali Sabri bin Haji Yusof said.
Delivering his welcoming remarks at the ceremony to present tokens of appreciation to participants and certificates to judges, he highlighted that the competition aligns with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s vision to increase the number of Al-Quran memorisers (hafiz and hafizah) in Brunei Darussalam. The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Imam Haji Manan bin Haji Osman from Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque, Sengkurong followed by the Category ‘E’ competition, where five participants – three men and two women competed.
This year’s competition featured 25 participants across five categories, including 16 female contestants, reflecting strong engagement from women in Al-Quran memorisation.
The event held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas, marked the conclusion of the two-day competition, which began on February 11.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, the guest of honour, presented awards to the participants and judges.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), representatives from government agencies and educational institutions were also in attendance. The annual competition, organised by the MoRA through the MABIMS Centre for Al-Quran Studies and Dissemination, is a key initiative leading up to the National Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration in Ramadhan. It aims to encourage daily
Al-Quran recitation, foster understanding of its meanings, and promote a culture of memorisation among children, youth, and the wider community through healthy competition. – Fadley Faisal
