Malaysia’s Sofizah Mousin Wins International al-Quran Recitation Competition

By: Michelle Liew

Mohamed Sameer Mohamed Magahed and Sofizah Mousin, both al-Quran reciters from Bahrain and Malaysia respectively, were each announced as the recitation champion (tilawah) at the 62nd International Al-Quran Recitation and Memorization Council (MTHQA) yesterday.

Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Mohamed Sameer scored 93.33 percent in the Recitation, while Sofizah scored 89.66 percent, thus bringing home a cash prize and a trophy.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, was pleased to bestow the prize in the qari (male al-Quran reciter) category, while the prize in the qariah (female al-Quran reciter) category was bestowed by the Queen Agong, Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

Another representative of Malaysia, Aiman Ridhwan Mohamad Ramlan, emerged as the second runner-up with a score of 88.83 percent, while third place was won by the Indonesian reciter, Muhammad Rizqon (88.34 percent).

Widadul Wahidah Mahamod from Singapore was runner-up in qariah category, with a score of 87.50 percent and the third place was Indonesian Yuni Wulandari Hasim (87.49 percent).

Also present at the closing ceremony of MTHQA62 were the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Idris Ahmad.

Themed "Malaysian Family as the Catalyst of Prosperity," the ceremony lasted for six days starting last Wednesday, involving 36 participants from 28 countries.

MTHQA62 is the first to be held after two years of postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, only the recitation category was contested this time, it is told that the memorization category will return next year.