US lad most tuneful holy Quran reciter
dubai — Defeating nine tough competitors, Huzaifah Siddiqui, a contestant from the US, won the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation competition, held as part of the 21st edition of Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA).
The 20-year-old full Quran memoriser excelled over other contestants with his tuneful voice and perfect recitation, and was awarded Dh5,000.
Siddiqui said: “I feel honoured that I managed to come first in this side contest, and hope to win the main competition as well. Memorising the Holy Quran has not only sharpened my mind, and made me academically excellent, it has further made me quiet and good mannered.”
The recitation winner has plans to complete his university studies and teach Quran to others as advised by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “Memorising the Quran and observing its tolerant teachings are the only path to salvation and happiness in life.” Siddiqui, who made no mistakes during initial and final examinations, is expected to be among the top 10 list, which will be announced today.
Ahmed Al Zahid, head of the media unit, said the top 10 will be honoured during the concluding ceremony which will be held at the Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Mamzar area.
“The competition for the top three contestants with most beautiful voices was so tough, but the American participant managed to come first, pushing the Algerian and Moroccan competitors to the second and third positions respectively.” Official figures show that 90 out of 103 initial participants have sat the final tests of the global competition. Thirteen of these could not clear the qualifying tests and were disqualified.
Prize money for winners
While lucrative prizes await the top winners of the competition, Dh250,000 will be presented to the first position, followed by Dh200,000 and Dh150,000 for the second the third ranks.
The fourth winner will go home with Dh65,000 while the fifth will get Dh60,000; Dh55,000 will be given to the sixth, Dh50,000 for the seventh, Dh45,000 for the eighth, Dh40,000 for the ninth and Dh35,000 for the 10th.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com