A life dedicated to serving Islam
Ahmed Shaaban
16 August 2011
DUBAI — While some students only want to have a degree and run their own business, some others dedicate their whole life at the service of Islam and the Holy Quran.
Of those is 21-year-old Ahmed Sarikaya who represents Turkey at the 15th session of Dubai International Holy Quran Award. Talking to Khaleej Times, Sarikaya said he decided to study in the University of Islamic Sciences in Istanbul to help people and guide them to the right way of Islam.
“All I want is to be at the service of Islam, this tolerant and great religion which is a real mercy to all creatures.”
Being fully dedicated to a sacred mission, Sarikaya started his journey with the Holy Quran at an early age. “I started memorising the Holy Quran when I was eight, and finished at nine.”
As is the case with most of the competitors, family is the first and major cornerstone in Sarikaya’s relationship with the Holy Quran. “All my family used to encourage me to learn the Quran by heart and bless the house with the light of the Holy Quran.”
Participation in the Quran contest is not new for Sarikaya.
“Enhancing my recitation by studying at the Qiraat Institute, I participated in several local, national and international Quran contests, most recently the Libya International Holy Quran Award.”
Mohammed Ismail Patel, who represents Barbados in the award, started memorising the Quran at the age of 16 and finished at 19. Patel’s three-year journey started in Barbados. “I then travelled to India and stayed there for three years until I finished memorisation at the Islamic School.”
To be eligible for nomination for the Dubai Award, Patel had to enter a stiff local contest. “There were five competitors other than me and we were all at high level of memorisation, but I have managed to excel them all and represent my country.”
When coming to Dubai, Patel said he was surprised from the preparation and big participation in the award. Patel is now in his second year in the College of Islamic Sciences in Britain. “I wish to be a scholar and preacher for the service of my religion.” Meanwhile, 62 of the 78 final contestants have sat for tests in the in the contest. Six other competitors are to be tested on Tuesday night.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
via A life dedicated to serving Islam.