His journey with Quran started at nursery

His journey with Quran started at nursery (Ahmed Shaaban) / 20 July 2013 “There is kind of a special friendship between me and the Holy Quran.” These words best describe the intimate relationship between the holy book and the 21-year old Qatari contestant Anas Hashim Al Mashhadani who is participating in the 17th session of the Dubai International Holy Quran. Talking to Khaleej Times, the engineering student said he had always been proud of sticking to the Holy Quran since his early childhood. “I started my journey with the Holy Quran when I was at nursery school, and I memorised five parts of the Quran when I was nine.” The Holy Quran was a gift from the Almighty Allah that had positively affected Mashhadani’s life, behaviour and ethics, he said. “He who memorises the Holy Quran is supported and blessed by Allah in life and the Hereafter… The Quran has sharpened my memory and enhanced my academic performance.” 5 contestants disqualified DUBAI — Five contestants have been disqualified from the Dubai International Holy Quran Award for showing poor performance in the initial stages. According to a senior official, the participants found ineligible in initial tests for the 17th session of the award were from Fiji, Belgium, Mauritius, Grenada and Macedonia. Head of the Award Organising Committee Ibrahim Bu Melha said three other contestants from Singapore, New Zealand and Gabon have apologized for not being able to participate in the award this year. Thirty-two of the 82 contestants participating sat their final tests on Thursday night at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Eighty-two contestants out of 90 contacted for participation this year will sit for final tests; and that is the highest participation ever in the award history.” Adding, he said eight other participants are to be examined on July 20. Khalid Al Marzugi, member of the public relations unit, said the award, known worldwide, has become the mother of all Quran contests. “The prizes specified for all participants are the highest and hence encouraged many contestants for participation.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com Mashhadani then joined a Quran Study Centre where he memorised the Furqan Quran in full at the age of 13, when he was in Grade 8. Elaborating, he said he used to memorise one-and-a-half to two pages of the Quran everyday, apart from daily regular review of one part. “My family, particularly my brothers and sisters, have always been backing and encouraging me to memorise the Quran, and test my memory, offering me a lift to the Holy Quran Centre which is far away from home.” Mashhadani said he had eight brothers and sisters. “I feel we are blessed that my elder brother fully memorised the Quran as well.” Showing good performance, he participated in five local Quran contestants, mainly the Sheikh Jassim and Sheikh Ghanim Al Thani contests. “I have also participated in international Quran contests and represented Qatar in Egypt twice, as well as Jordan, Libya, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and now in the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.” As is the case every year, a contest is held to pick the top memoriser to represent the country. This year, Mashhadani was selected for the Dubai Award while others were sent to other international competitions. “I wish to come first in this award, best represent my country, and be a competent scholar in the future.” Giving advice to his fellow Qataris, Mashhadani urged them to stick to the Quran. “It is an honour to memorise the Quran… and mediate for his family and friends in the Dooms Day.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com Taylor Scott International