KUALA LUMPUR: Although 17-year-old Muhammad Syazani Jemy does not study in a religious school, it is not a barrier for him to represent the country in the 57th International Quran Memorisation and Recital event, here.
The student of MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) in Gemencheh, Negeri Sembilan, today was among 10 participants reciting the Quran in the memorisation category.
When met by reporters, Muhammad Syazni said he took an interest in memorising the Quran at age 13, and finished the feat two years later.
“As an MRSM student, time is limited with the academic lessons going on, but I use the little free time I have to read and memorise the Quran, besides having extra classes,” said Muhammad Syazni, who is also fluent in Arabic.
The eldest of four siblings also advised fellow teenagers to take keen interest in the Quran, as it would help them in their life’s journey.
Meanwhile, a participant from Kyrgyzstan, Bumariam Madrakhimova said it took her four years to memorise the Quran with the help of her teacher and parents.
“This the first time I am representing my country. I am nervous but at the same time feeling excited, and I hope I can make my country proud,” she said in Arabic, with the help of an interpreter.
The five-day event which began yesterday will see 68 participants taking part - 38 in the Quran recital category and 31 in the memorisation category - representing 56 countries.
Thirty-one of the participants in the memorisation category will recite the Quran tomorrow and Friday, including another Malaysian, Farihah Zulkifli, who is the women’s national champion.
The male and female champions in the recital category will each bring home a gold bar worth RM70,000 sponsored by the Malaysia Islamic Economic Development Foundation (Yapeim), a trophy, and RM40,000 in cash.
In the memorisation category, the male and female champions will each receive RM30,000 in cash, along with souvenirs and a certificate of participation. – BERNAMA