Nela Awang
BRUNEI-MUARA
WINNERS of the Quran recital competition (Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur‘an) organised by a local women‘s organisation, Pertiwi, were announced and subsequently awarded prizes, yesterday, in a ceremony held at the Jerudong Polo and Country Club.
Prizes were given by the honoured guest at the ceremony, Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Norehsani.
The finals took place on July 20 at the Islamic Da‘wah Centre in Kg Pulaie.
Fifteen contestants competed in three categories. Category A was for those aged 18 to 35 years, Category B for 36 to 50 years and those above 51 years old competed in Category C.
Contestants hailed from all over the nation; with Belait, Tutong and Temburong district each represented by one participant, and Brunei Muara by two.
The event is a biennial project for the women‘s association, and has been held since the 1990s.
In category A, Nurul Hidayah Hamdan from Brunei Muara district was announced as the winner, while Hjh Norasidah Hj Ramlee, also from Brunei Muara, and Norapizah Zalani from Belait won second and third places respectively.
Meanwhile, Tutong resident Jamaliah Hj Pudin claimed the top spot in Category B.
Also receiving prizes were Rapiah Hj Tuah from Belait district and Hjh Siti Animi Hj Salleh from Brunei Muara, the first and second runner ups respectively.
Category C was also won by a Tutong resident, Hjh Dayang Hj Jais. The second and third places were claimed by two Brunei Muara representatives, Hjh Sapiah Md Yusof and Hajah Latifah Hj Yaakub, respectively.
President of Pertiwi, Datin Paduka Hjh Zaharah Hj Idris, said that the main purpose of organising the contest was to encourage the members to be close to Al-Quran and to really understand the teachings contained within.
‘This activity will give members from the four districts the chance to mingle and develop amicable relationship with each other,‘ she said.
At the same time, such an event motivates people to put more efforts to ensure the progression of women in general, and the association in particular, she added. The winners for each category were given the opportunity to perform Quran recital in the ceremony, proving their validity in winning the competition. There were also performances of ‘nasyid‘ and ‘qasidah‘, by Pertiwi members.
Source: www.bruneitimes.com (6 Agustus 2007)