JCC, formerly Al Jazeera Children’s Channel, yesterday crowned 13-year-old Doha Usaw from Morocco the winner of the sixth season of Tijan Annour (Crown of light) Quran recitation contest.
Doha is a participant for the third time and was determined to win this year.
“This is a great experience. In the past I have come so close to winning, but this year, I finally won the crown of light,” she said.
Nine-year-old Alzubair Alghuzi, also from Morocco, won the second prize and 12-year-old Haroun Abdi from the US the third prize.
Tijan Annour this year received over 1,300 submissions from 54 countries.
JCC also awarded the winners of the Young Muezzin contest, a new feature that gave children an opportunity to compete based on their talent in calling out the adhan or call for prayer.
Mahmoud Said, 12, from Egypt bagged the first prize. He cited his grandfather who was a muezzin (someone who gives the call to prayer) as his inspiration. Mohamed Al Tijani, 12, from Sudan won the second prize and Suhaib Nasir, 13, from Yemen the third prize.
Deputy Executive General Manager and Acting Director of Channels, Saad Al Hudaifi, presented awards at the season’s finale, attended by dignitaries, including Hassan Al Dawoodi, Minister of Higher Education in Morocco, and Imam Abdullah Ibn Ali Basfar, President of the Holy Quran Memorisation International Organisation and Guest of Honour.
Al Hudaifi said that Tijan Annour aims to instil good values in children, while promoting classical Arabic among Arab children everywhere.
“Over the years, Tijan Annour has built a larger audience and participant base. Tijan Annour and Young Muezzin aim to encourage children to develop and showcase talents before the entire world. And we are sure that their participation in Tijan Annour is just the beginning of a bright future ahead.”
Participants interacted with the panel of judges who mentored them to help develop talents and build confidence.
Leading the panel, Dr Ayman Suwaid, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Global Body of the Holy Quran, praised the programme’s role in reaching out to children around the world.
“Tijan Annour touches children’s hearts and unites them from different corners of the globe on a unique platform. This competition provides children with the opportunity not only to develop their talents but also to earn honour and recognition while doing so,” he said.
He also praised the programme’s role in inspiring children in the Muslim world.
“Over the years, Tijan Annour has played a tremendous role in encouraging children to perfect their knowledge and skills to recite the Holy Quran. The overwhelming response to the competition is an affirmation of its significance and role in inspiring young minds to undertake a spiritual journey to win the crown of light.”
Source:The peninsula
