We have fasted for more than 2 weeks. Tonight, Insya Allah, we mark again the historic Nuzul Quran, the night where the first revelation was sent by Allah s.w.t to our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

The first revelation that was sent is the word 'Iqra' or 'Read'. This shows how important knowledge is for Muslims. With reading we gain knowledge. As our knowledge expands, so thus our lives enrich, in this world and the next. A person with knowledge will always be respected, no matter if he is poor. A person with knowledge will always have an honourable place in the community.

Saidina Ali said that there are three differences between knowledge and material wealth. First: Knowledge takes care of us while we have to take care of wealth. Second: Knowledge increases as we share while riches diminish when we share. Third: Knowledge cannot be stolen while wealth can. 

Worldly knowledge can guarantee prosperity in life on earth. There is another kind of Knowledge that guarantees our life in the Hereafter. This best of Knowledge is the Knowledge or Al-Quran. Rasulullah s.a.w said:
The best of you studies the Al Quran and teaches it."

My muslim brothers & sisters, in conjunction with the holy Ramadhan, the month that is also called the month of Al-Quran, let us together recite the Al-Quran with more vigour. If in one year, we hardly open the pages of Al-Quran, let us take advantage of this month of ibadah, to read the Al-Quran more frequently. If in other months we could not complete the reading of Al-Quran, let us do so in Ramadhan. Rasulullah s.a.w said in a hadith relayed by Imam Ahmad:

"Fasting and Al-Quran bring syafaat to a servant, so says the fast: Oh my Lord, Verily I have prevented him from eating and drinking in the day, so give me leave to give syafaat to him. And thus says Al-Quran: Oh my Lord, I have kept him from sleeping in the night, so please let me give syafaat to him. And the two, Fasting and Al-Quran are allowed to give syafaat."

May Allah bless us all, insyaAllah.

Musabaqah Tilawah Al Quran National Level Singapore 2005 (Adult) final round  was held at MUIS Auditorium (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura) on 3 Jul 2005 at 5 pm.  A total of 10 qari & qariah were selected to participate in the final of Musabaqah Tilawah Al Quran National Level Singapore (Adult)  2005.  Winners (a qari & a qariah will be representing Singapore in the International Leval this year in Kuala Lumpur)

6 qari finalist  (see photo below) from right is Encik Musafak Bin Kasbi (maroon shirt), Encik Azmi Bin Md Yunus, Encik Mohammad Fauzi Bin Khalid, Haji Abdul Wahid Bin Mohamad, Encik Muhammad Khairul Bin Khalid & Encik Mohd Mahadi Bin Kasbi.

And 4 qariah finalist (see photo below) from right is Cik Sharifah Rashidah Binti Syed Idros Alkaff (yellow dress), Hjh Ummi Shariffah Bte Mohd Zain, Cik Kalsom Bte Abdul Rahman & Cik Nur Azizah Solichin (not in photo).

Sheikh Abul Einein Sheisha, born August 12th, 1922 in Egypt was a well known Quran Recitor until today.  He memorised the Holy Quran before reaching the age of ten and was locally known at the age of twelve.  By seventeen he was accepted in the competition in the Egyptian radio and he was selected to be among the top ten recitors with most beautiful Egyptian voice.  His recitation reflect beauty and depth of feeling in voice charges with emotion.  Sheikh Abul Einein Sheisha is now 83 years old and still living.