Aspiring young qaris from across the country will get an opportunity to showcase their talents against international opposition between the 10th and 13th September, when the 10th edition of the International Quran Recital Award (IQRA) competition makes its way to the city. The event is hosted by the South Africa Qur’aan Union (SAQU), Awqaf SA, Madrasah Tarteelul Quran, Sanzaf and other institutions. Preliminary rounds for Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal have already taken place between May and June, and the best reciters thereof are expected to participate in the upcoming finals. Foreign and Western Cape contestants, as well as those from other provinces will participate in their own preliminaries which will take place simultaneously with the main event. The last three years of the competition has seen the inclusion of both female and international competitors, with 80 reciters from eight different countries taking part in 2014. SAQU chairman Muntahaa Kenny hailed the steady progress and growth of the competition since its inception. Contestants will be judged in terms of their tajweed, manner of recitation, and the pace in which their recite. There are no requirements to be hafith al-Quran, and competitors will be given an open Quran from which to recite. There will be a total of six categories including the male U15, U18, U23, and 24 years and over, as well as the female categories. This year will also see the introduction of a new ‘Champs of Champs’ category. The events take place at the Ahmedi Masjid, Grassy Park. Thursday the 10th will see the female category and U15 preliminaries take place, while Friday will be the turn of the U18s. Saturday Morning sees the U23 and 24 and over sections, whilst the U15 and U18 finals are scheduled for later that evening. Sunday morning features the U23 Final and 24 and over finals, and the Champ of Champs category and overall winners announcement takes place after thur. For more details on the event and full breakdown on how participants will be judged, download the accompanying application form. Entry forms and guidelines can also be downloaded at www.awqafsa.org.za or www.quranunion.co.za. For additional queries SMS 083 277 3216. VOC (Mubeen Banderker) Application form and guidelines 2015