A participant in the 21st edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) memorised the Holy Quran in full in just six months. Mohamed Najeb, who represents Egypt, began his journey with the Holy Quran at the age of 14.

The student of the Quran College of Al Azhar University in Tanta city completed the task by memorising one juza (volume) of the 30-juza holy book per week. He started off under his late father and then completed the task at a Quran study centre.

"Though Najeb lost his father at an early age, his mother insisted that he complete the mission her husband started. She encouraged him to memorise the Quran in full, and sent him to a famous Quran study centre," organisers said.

Najeb's brother and two sisters have also memorised the Quran in full. "Being the eldest son, I took care of my family at an early age after the death of my father. I started a small farm."

After earning praise in the many local competitions he took part in, he was nominated for the DIHQA. "I have done my best to answer all the five questions posed to me," he said of his participation in the competition.

Najeb wants to be a scholar of Quran qiraat (schools of recitation) and interpretation when he grows up. "I want to be a preacher," he said.

So far, 65 out of 103 Quran memorisers have appeared for the final tests of the DIHQA in seven days. The annual competition is set to conclude on Ramadan 20.

Source: Khaleej Times