Dubai Quran and Sunnah Award initial tests concluded

Dubai - 6th edition of the award has seen a significant participation of students studying British and American curricula here.

The initial qualifying tests of the Dar Al Ber Quran and Sunnah Award have concluded with an unprecedented participation of 1,274 competitors from 50 government and private schools.
The 6th edition of the award, held in collaboration with the Ajman Education Zone, has seen a significant participation of students studying British and American curricula here.
Khalid Abdul Wahhab Al Khaja, manager of the Dar Al Ber Society, Ajman, said the award, supported by His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, has saliently improved and attracted more participants.
The local contest consists of eight levels starting from a special section for kindergarten boys and girls who are competing in the popular award for the second year in a row, he added.
Al Khajah said aspirant memorisers had a chance to compete in one of the two main branches of the contest: Quran or Sunnah over the period from April 17- 21 while teaching and administrative staff will be tested on April 24.
"Holy Quran contestants had to perfectly memorise certain chapters, along with their meanings whereas Sunnah competitors needed to learn a number of prophetic sayings or Hadiths," he, said, noting that the final tests will be held on May 1.
Al Khajah said as many as 624 students, spanning 270 boys and 354 girls, competed in the Quran branch whereas 600 students, including 244 boys and 356 girls, participated in the Sunnah category, apart from 50 teaching and administrative staffers.
Moderation and tolerance
"The annual contest is aimed to connect young people with the Holy Quran and Sunnah, and build up a new generation based on the tolerant and moderate method of Islam in line with the directives of the UAE's prudent leadership. "The Award helps students make good use of the free time as well."
Al Khajah said the organising committee has made the contest easier this edition to encourage more students for participation. "The Award has also been divided into initial and final tests to give students a chance to tighten their memorisation and improve their recitation."
A special web portal has also been launched to better cover the award news, activities, sections, and updates, he added. "All participants have been provided with books and CDs to train them on the chapters and Hadiths due for memorisation."
Unprecedented participation
Shaikh Mustafa Al Qasas, member of the arbitration committee, said the initial qualifying tests have seen an unprecedented participation from the students.
"The performance was good in general, but the memorisation and recitation of some were better and more exceptional," he said, pointing out that the procedures were smooth.
Shaikh Mohammed Al Furat Al Najjar, member of the arbitration committee, said all the Holy Quran chapters and Hadiths which participants have to memorise are so easy to learn by heart.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com