BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Local qari participant Haji Muhammad Ali left the Sultanate on April 18 to perform a recitation of Al-Quran at the Mawlid Al-Nabawi Celebration at the National Administrative Centre for Islamic Affairs, Nongchock District, Thailand this weekend.
Haji Muhammad is the reigning national champion after winning the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults for 1445 Hijrah.
He told the Bulletin in an interview, “Alhamdulillah, so far I have represented Brunei Darussalam at international level in countries such as Malaysia, Iran, Russia and Indonesia.”
In Malaysia, the qari participant has competed at both university and international levels.
Since establishing himself on the national scene, Haji Muhammad has found success overseas, with winning a competition in Moscow, Russia being his biggest highlight and attaining third place in Jakarta, Indonesia.
At university level, Haji Muhammad also secured third place in a competition organised by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.
During his burgeoning international career, Haji Muhammad has also competed alongside globally renowned qari participants who boast extensive experience.
Haji Muhammad, who is seen as the successor to the country’s multiple national qari winner Muhammad Adibul Amin Marjuki, also shared his preparations ahead of the overseas meet.
He said, “In terms of preparations, this includes voice training by reciting Quran regularly, which may take less than an hour and taking good care of my health. Besides that, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) also often holds workshops, courses and training sessions.”
Head of the Islamic Syi’ar Development Division Haji Aziman Awang Zaman and Head of the Public Relations, International and MABIMS Division at the MoRA Haji Mohammad Albi bin Haji Ibrahim were present at Brunei International Airport to wish Haji Muhammad a safe journey.
The qari reader was accompanied by Special Duties Officer Level 1, Public Relations, International and MABIMS Division Muhammad Azrin Jarail as an escort officer. At the Mawlid Al-Nabawi Ceremony for the year 1446 Hijrah, several representatives from Asean member countries were also invited to join the recitation of the Quran. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
