Pinoys join Int'l Koran reading contests

Three Filipino Muslims have been chosen to represent the country in the prestigious Koran reading competitions in Malaysia and Iran, the Office of Muslim Affairs said.

Sultan Yahyah Tomawis, OMA executive director, said Ustadz Abdulatip Daud and Ustadza Rahima Panondiongan Amerol, both of Marawi City, were now in Malaysia for the week-long International Al-Qur'an Reciters' Assembly.

Ustadz Abdul Wadoud Esmail, from Shariff Kabunsuan province, also flew to Tehran for the 24th International Koran reading contest, Tomawis said.

"We need to support them with prayers. If they win in these contests, they would show to the world that in the Philippines, we have excellent Koran readers," Tomawis said.

He said the three would also serve "as our ambassadors of goodwill."

"Our participation in these international Qur'an reading contests will improve the country's relations with the religious communities in member-countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference," Tomawis said.