RIYADH — The first prize for the most beautiful voice in the Holy Qur’an recitation category in Otr Elkalam (Scent of Speech) competition, amounting to SR5 million ($1,333,300), has contributed to facilitating the realization of the dreams of the visually impaired Moroccan contestant, Younes Mustafa Gharbi.

Gharbi, from Casablanca, confirmed that he has several projects, including learning and teaching the Holy Qur’an and its sciences and providing for his family and some of the poor and needy. He said he intends to open schools for teaching the Holy Qur’an in his country.

Gharbi said since his childhood, he wanted to be independent, without becoming a burden on society. He added that he always wanted to contribute to the service of his country and to be called a reciter, an imam, a blind person, and a merchant.

Being blind, he memorized the Qur’an by repetitive listening. He later became the imam of the Khadija Bint Khuwaylid Mosque in Casablanca, and the manager of a small company in his city. During the competition, he attracted the attention of the jury with his distinguished performance and voice. He reached the final round braving tough challenges from other contestants.

The International Holy Qur’an and Call to Prayer competition is one of the initiatives of the General Entertainment Authority. It was broadcast on Otr Elkalam TV show on the Saudia channel and Shahid platform from the beginning of Ramadan. The competition was distinguished by its high prizes and its specialized international jury.

During the award ceremony, GEA Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh announced the continuation of the competition next year. — SG