Islamic Promotion Initiative of Nigeria, an Abuja based Islamic Organisation, on Saturday expressed determination to produce best Qur’an reciter in the world, ahead of International Qur’anic Recitation Competition scheduled to hold in Turkey.
The National Chairman of the group, Dr Kabir Muhammad gave the assurance at the ongoing Second Edition of National Qur’an Recitation Competition at the National mosque, in Abuja.
Muhammad noted that the significance of Qur’an recitation in Islam could not be overemphasised, because it was the Holy book of Allah and Prophet Muhammad ( Peace be upon him) as well as guidance to the Muslims ummah.
He said that the competition would enable the contestants to learn how to recite Qur’an naturally with a view to emerge best reciters in the Muslim world.
The chairman said that the initiative was making concerted effort to groom and mentor young Muslims, male and females, to understand the basic rudiments of Qur’an recitation to enable them compete with their counterparts worldwide.
He explained that the competition would enable the contestants to perfect Qur’an recitation, boost their moral and confidence to enable those that would emerge winners to represent the FCT in the upcoming National Qur’an Recitation Competition for girls schedule to hold in Sokoto State.
He said after the National competition those that emerged winners would represent Nigeria at the International Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Turkey, Tanzania and Uganda.
He said that unlike the International Qur’anic competition, which usually holds and end in Saudi Arabia, ” this one will be hosted in many countries both in Africa and in the Middle East.
” This programme is one of the series of activities under Islamic Promotion Initiative of Nigeria aimed at inviting young Muslims, male and females to compete in the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
Muhammad, who is also the Imam of National mosque, admonished parents to give priority attention to Qur’anic education of their children by taking them to Qur’anic school at the early stage of their lives.
According to him, this will not allow them to be a victim of circumstances in the society because of the knowledge of the glorious Qur’an.
“Islam believes in knowledge because the first revelation that came to prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) centred on seeking for knowledge.
” This means Islam makes emphasis on knowledge over everything and that is why among the attributes of Allah is that He is the Knowledgeable one.
” So Islam encourages people to read, to learn, to be enlightened and to be educated in all fields of knowledge, ” Muhammad said.
Miss Khairat Muhammad, one of the contestants from Bwari Area Council, expressed optimism to emerge overall best Qur’an reciter nationwide and globally.
No fewer than 100 participants drawn from Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi States and the six Area Councils of the FCT were among the contestants of the competition. (NAN)
