The competition aims to raise the awareness of Muslim communities on the significance of reading the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book and every Muslim’s daily guidance in religious, social and economic affairs.
Muslims believe that reciting the Qur-an serves as their direct contact with the word of God.
Fourteen adult male and female Muslims from this city and the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani will join the contest. The champion will represent the region in the 33rd National Qur’an Reading Competition to be held in Cotabato City tentatively on June 18-20.
Trophies and cash prizes await regional winners. The top 3 winners in the national competition will represent the country in the international Qur’an reading competitions held every year in Malaysia, Iran, Dubai and other Middle Eastern Countries.
The contest gives the champion the chance to win up to 200 thousand pesos and be recognized as one of the world’s best in reciting the Holy Qur’an.
The city government, Muslim Women Organization of Gensan, Young Moro Professionals Council, Sogoda Buayan Royal House, Muslim Business Forum and Ustadzes are supporting the competition.
Lawyer Guialil Kanda, OMA Field Director in Region-12, said that the competition is the reiteration of the policy of promoting, preserving and enhancing Muslim cultural heritage.
“It also serves as vehicle in promoting peace and enriching our diplomatic relations with Islamic states,” he pointed out.
Malaysian Lt. Col. Abubacar bin AbdMalek, team leader of the International Monitoring Team in the region, is invited as the guest speaker.
The IMT, comprised of representatives from Libya, Malaysia, Brunei and Japan, is monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.