Daniel Lim
Seventeen new converts yesterday participated in the Murattal Al-Quran and Hafazan (memorisation of Al-Quran verses competition) held at Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Religious School.
Belait District Head of Religious Officer cum guest of honour Mohamad Aliyani bin Ismail was greeted upon arrival by Belait District Head of Dakwah Unit and competition chairperson Zikrinaidah binti Haji Mat Dikir.
Nine male and eight female participants competed in four categories.
In the Murattal Al-Quran (male category), Muhammad Nur Aizamuddin bin Muhammad Hanafi emerged victor, followed by An-Anshar Adzin bin Abdul Halim Wong and Muhammad Firdaus Suhardi Abdullah Umpor.
In the female category, Hajah Noraine binti Abdullah took first place, followed by Hajah Lateefah binti Abdullah and Hajah Rosnah binti Abdullah.
Meanwhile, in the memorisation of Al-Quran verses (male category) Muhammad Dzulkarnain Hamzah bin Abdullah took the top spot, followed by Muhammad Saifuddin bin Muhammad Hanafi and Haji Mohd Saifullah bin Abdul Rahman in second and third places.
In the female category, Nur Raihana binti Muhammad Hanafi clinched first place, followed by Nur Hanisah Anis binti Abdul Rahman and Noor Asyikin binti Abdullah.
Mohamad Aliyani awarded prizes to the top three performers of each category, and consolation prizes to the others.
He also acknowledged their efforts in developing religious knowledge, adding that it would inspire other new converts to follow suit.
The competition was organised by the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI). Participants were judged based on memorisation, song and melody, fasahah and tajweed.
Meanwhile, deputy event chairperson Nurhuwaina binti Mamud said the PDI continuously conducts activities for new converts, including basic and advance guidance courses organised by the Dakwah Unit, and annual gatherings to mark the Islamic calendar events.
“We hope activities and competitions such as this will allow new converts to further embrace the faith, not only at mosques and religious halls, but also in their daily lives,” she continued.