JEDDAH, 2 December — The 5th annual Holy Qur’an reading competition, organized by the Filipino community in Jeddah under the auspices of their consulate on Friday night, was a big success both in terms of participation and attendance.
Twelve male contestants competed for five major prizes. Four new Muslims took the opportunity to read the Qur’an.
The contestants, all Filipino residents of the Western Province, belonged to one or the other Filipino groups like Maguindanao (including Iranon/Kalagan), Maranao and Tausog (including Samal/Yakan). Each group selected four finalists for the contest.
All contestants were given 10 minutes to read specific verses from the Qur’an.
A panel of judges, consisting of Fawzy Abdulhamed Hassan, Farooq Ahmad Khan and Mahmood Faraj Abduljalil, based their decision on intonation (40 percent), eloquence (25 percent), melody (20 percent) and voice (15 percent).
Philippine Consul General Kadatuan P. Usop, who is currently abroad, said in his message that since its first staging in 1998, the Qur’an recitation competition had become an annual activity organized by the consulate during the holy month of Ramadan.
“It’s intended to encourage the Filipino Muslims residing in the Western Province read and gain deeper knowledge of the Qur’an and to facilitate better understanding and appreciation of the teachings of Islam.”
The previous Qur’an competitions were a resounding success as evidenced by the flurry of requests for its continuation, he said, adding that the success was a result of careful planning and concerted efforts of the consulate and the Filipino community. “The invaluable support of the sponsors was another major factor that definitely contributed to its success.”
A change this time, according to Usop, who is also the ex-officio chairman of the steering committee, is that the competition has been entrusted to the Filipino community.
“I admire their willingness and enthusiasm in organizing this year’s contest. It is fervently hoped that this project will continue to be undertaken in the years ahead.”
The contestants were: Ahmad Abdulaziz, Abdulwahid Eson, Abdulnasser Kulod, Nasif Gayak, Handamie M. Balindong, Aminodden Salih Imam, Alaoddin D. Lucman, Abdulajie Abubakar, Husin M. Ali , Redwan Yahya and Ahmad A. Yusop.
The new Muslims who read verses from the Qur’an were: Salman Arquero, Manzor Galapon, Sulu, Ismail L. Jerusalem and Abdullah Napoleon.
Contributing to the organizational success of the contest were representatives of nearly two dozen Filipino groups, including Abna Maranatao Association, Filipino Muslim League, Malumbay International, Shakba International, Moriatao Diwan, Baloi Expatraites Association, Bangsa Sug, Tarakanians, Angoyao International, Binidayan Expatriates Association, Bulacan United Muslims Association, Ganassi Union for Islamic Development & Education, Insan Islamic Assembly and Malabang Islamic Foundation.
The program began with the reading of the Qur’an by Mansawi Yahya, champion of 4th Qur’an recitation competition held last year.