New Zealand competes in International Qur’an Competition for Southeast Asia

New Zealand sent its inaugural team to participate in the International Qur’an Competition for Southeast Asia held in Jakarta, 2-4 October 2010. The event was organised by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs with the support of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

Young kiwi Qur’an reciters Ibrahim Sameer El-Matari and Hamid Azimi represented New Zealand and were accompanied by Sheikh Mohammad Amir, an Imam at the Wellington Mosque and the chairman of the Religious Advisory Board of The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand. The Federation selected the New Zealand Team, following national trials.

Qur’an competition involves recitation from memory of the Holy Qur’an, with competitors judged for the accuracy, technical proficiency, beauty and eloquence of their narration.

“New Zealand has a diverse and vibrant Muslim community. It’s fantastic to see our country represented in regional Qur’an competition, which also provides an excellent way for young New Zealanders to meet their peers from across the region,” New Zealand Ambassador David Taylor said.