Bandar Seri Begawan - The "National Youths Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran" is an excellent programme that helps shape the character of Muslim youths in Brunei Darussalam.
This observation was made by the Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Awang Mohammad bin Hj Daud, at the finals of the 2008 "National Youths Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran" yesterday.
Events such as these should continuously be held because they encourage more youths to become active readers of the holy Quran. More importantly, these religious events help produce excellent role models such as male al-Quran readers (Qari) and female al-Quran readers (Qariah) in Brunei Darussalam.
The minister, who was the guest of honour at yesterday`s event, said that the "National Youths Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran" is more than just another religious competition because it is in line with Brunei`s aspirations of becoming a `Zikir` nation.
Earlier, the Chairman of the "National Youths Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran" Organising Committee, Awang Hj Matassim bin Hj Jibah, said that Brunei was well on its way towards creating an "al-Quran literate" generation.
Meanwhile, Ak Md Amirul Aiman bin Pg Hj Marjuki and Dyg Maizatun Nadzeerah binti Hj Md Daud emerged as the champions of the religious competition. Both of them had defeated last year`s champions - Awg Hj Nasrul Fakhri bin Hj Yahya and Dyg Hjh Siti Khadijah binti Hj Ibrahim, who came in second place this year.
The champions` trophies were sponsored by the guest of honour. By Malek Hashim
Source: http://www.brunei-online.com (August 21, 2008)