Over 400 non-Arabs attend Quran contest

Manama : The second annual Salman Al Farsi Quran Competition for non-Arabs was held with a resounding success, as more than 400 participants from a dozen nationalities vied for thousands of dinars worth of prizes.

The competition, which has gained popularity among the expat diaspora, was held yesterday under the patronage of the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa at the Dar Al Arqum Quranic Studies Centre for non-Arabs.

A total of 410 participants from all age groups took part in the event, representing 12 nationalities, including French, Russian, Indian and many others. In addition, 36 Quran learning centres from across the country also participated. It was free and open to all non-Arabic speakers. The winners will receive prizes ranging from BD250 to BD80 in various categories. A total of 31 prizes worth BD5,350 were given away, in various categories, including the youngest and oldest reciters. Winners will be honoured in a grand ceremony to be held on May 28 at the Gulf Air Club in Salmabad.

According to Fajar Ahmadi, board member of Dar Al Arqum: “There is a sizable population of non-Arabic speaking Muslims in Bahrain. Dar Al Arqum gives them a unique opportunity to learn and understand the Quran, and this competition motivated them in that regard.”

Ahmadi added that Dar Al Arqum had plans to include a category to serve the Arabic speaking expats as well for the coming year 2017.

The competition is named after Salman Al Farsi, a Persian companion of Prophet Muhammad with non-Arabic roots. It is supervised by an expert team of senior scholars in the field of Quran teaching, and is currently headed by Shaikh Waleed Hasan Janahi, the in-charge of the evaluation panels for both men and women.

The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Gulf Air Club, Khaleeji Commercial Bank, Bahrain Islamic Bank, Asghar Ali Perfumes, Lulu Hypermarket, Mobitel and Mygollys.