Manama: Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa attended the Al Noor Charity Welfare Society award ceremony for the fifth edition of the His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Quran Award. The event marked the conclusion of one of the most significant Quranic competitions in terms of participation and prize value.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Jamal Dawood, General Coordinator of the award, delivered a speech on behalf of Shaikha Lamia bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Al Noor Charity Welfare Society and Head of the Award's Permanent Committee. Shaikha Lamia commended Her Highness Shaikha Lulwa bint Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for establishing and supporting the award in honour of her late father. The competition attracted over 1,000 male and female contestants, demonstrating its growth and the increasing interest in Quran memorisation and recitation.
Shaikha Lamia highlighted the positive response to the competition's new identity and logo, announced in December. Artists, designers, and institutions submitted creative works reflecting the competition's essence. After thorough review, three designs were shortlisted for the final round, with the top selection to be announced later.
The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, in cooperation with the Sunni Endowments Directorate, supported the competition's procedures. Shaikh Dr. Rashid bin Mohammed bin Futtais Al Hajeri, Chairman of the Sunni Endowments Council, praised the initiative of HH Shaikha Lulwa for her dedication and generosity. He noted the competition's ability to attract thousands of young Quran memorisers and thanked Shaikha Lamia for her coordinating efforts.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa presented awards to the winners. The HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Quranic Personality Award was given to Shaikh Jaafar Yousif Janahi Al Abbasi, President of the Quran Centre at the Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre, in the men's category, and Sawsan Isa Al Thawadi in the women's category.
Shaikh Dr. Al Hajeri received a commemorative shield for his continuous cooperation with the award, as did Shaikh Abdullah Abdulaziz Qahtan Al Amri, Director of the Holy Quran Affairs Directorate. The members of the judging panel were also honoured for their service.
The winners of the full Quran memorisation category included Mohammed Adnan Al Amri in first place, followed by Abdullah Tuwarish Al Enezi and others in subsequent positions. The ten Juz' Memorisation Category winners included Bader Sa'ed Mishaal in first place, with Mohammed Abdulkareem Dabwan and others following. In the three Juz' Memorisation Category, Mohammed Humood Mattar secured first place, with Ahmed Zayd Ali and others trailing. The Juz' Amma Memorisation Category was led by Ali Mohammed Abdullah, with Ali Abdulrab Qadhi and others completing the top positions.
Religious scholars who participated in delivering Quranic lectures were also honoured. These included Shaikh Dr. Habeeb Al Namlaity, Shaikh Dr. Saleh Abdulkareem, and Shaikh Dr. Taha Al Kubaisi.