Bandar Seri Begawan – Abd Hakam Hazeem bin Hj Abd Rahman received accolades for being an “Excellent” student in the recitation of al-Quran, at a prize presentation ceremony on Tuesday.
Held at the Islamic Dakwah Centre in Berakas, the prizes were presented to a host of students under the Khatam al-Quran Incentive Scheme by the guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom bin Pg Hj Bahar. The scheme is for students under the ages of 10 and has been under the auspices of the Department of Islamic Studies since its inception in 1991.
In his address, the deputy minister welcomed the encouragement and efforts of the parents in generating a high quality of literacy in reading al-Quran amongst their children especially at a young age.
He further urged them to continue the hard work, so the programme can be more successful in the years to come.
Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom also quoted the aspirations of his Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince to achieve al-Quran literacy at an early age. He also reminded parents and guardians that reading al-Quran is a necessity for a Muslim, thus education for children in al-Quran should be a priority for parents, guardians and teachers.
Similarly, he called on the Department of Islamic Studies to increase their efforts to ensure that students of religious schools achieve a high literacy in al-Quran and have completed reading al-Quran prior to leaving Primary 6.
The Acting Director of Islamic Studies, Hjh Asmah bte Hj Randah explained the scheme is especially designed for students to achieve a high literacy and complete the recitation of the al-Quran before they reach the age of 10. This will create a sense of familiarity in reciting al-Quran as they reach adulthood, she added.
Next on the list were Ak Muhammad Ashim bin Pg Hj Md Zin and Dyg Yumni Syakirah bte Awg Othman who received ‘Very Good’ grades under the scheme.
Abd Hakam Hazeem in a brief interview said his parents gave encouragement in reading al-Quran, and he usually recites before and after the daily prayers.
Aged 9, he began reading al-Quran when he was just five years old, and achieved the ‘khatam’ at age seven.
A total of 39 students from various religious schools received their prizes; one received an “Excellent” grade, two received their “Very Good” grades, 26 were handed their “Good” grades, whilst 10 received consolation prizes.
The “Excellent” award winner also received a prize money of $1,000, “Very Good” award winner received $700, “Good” received $400 and $100 went to the recipients of consolation prizes.
–Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
