| Daniel Lim |
THE Islamic Studies Department (JPI), Ministry of Religious Affairs conducted a Jawi Calligraphy competition at the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien (PSB SOAS) Religious School, Kuala Belait, yesterday, in conjunction with the celebration of Maulidur Rasul, the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the Belait District for the year 1439 Hijrah.
The competition, organised by the Executive Committee in charge of Maulidur Rasul celebration for 1439 Hijrah, and led by the Belait District Islamic Studies Department, marked the 28th time it was conducted in the Belait District.
The contest aimed to further enliven the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)’s birth anniversary, and provide an opportunity for the residents to showcase their skills, Jawi calligraphy in particular.
The competition also allowed the participants to learn more about the methods and strokes used in Jawi calligraphy, as well as raise interest and awareness in maintaining and preserving the art.
The competition had 10 categories, and saw officers and staff members from government and private agencies, as well as students in the Belait District participating in it.
As many as 182 participants were involved, and they were given a time period of 45 minutes to an hour during the context to complete their Jawi calligraphy pieces, based on the requirements of their category.
Eight of the categories allowed Nasakh cursive writing, while two others allowed the submission of both Nasakh and unrestricted calligraphy, excluding Kufic calligraphy.
YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, member of the Legislative Council and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Labi was present during the closing ceremony, held on the same day of the competition. Also present were Haji Asminan bin Haji Chuchu, Head Religious Officer at the Belait District Religious Affairs Office, heads of department, and participants.
Each category had five winners, who received cash prizes, a trophy and a medal to commemorate their achievement in the competition.
As the competition was open to the public, several of the participants were non-Muslims, and served to inspire others to take part and polish their own Jawi calligraphy skills.
One of them was Eddy Syahrron bin Johan, from the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Jefri Bolkiah Campus (JBC), who said the competition was an opportunity to further ignite one’s passion as a Bruneian.
“By entering the contest, I was able to learn more about Jawi calligraphy by meeting like-minded people and sharing that knowledge,” he added.
The chairman of the competition, Pengiran Adiyura bin Pengiran Haj Mohammad, Assistant Officer of the Belait District Islamic Studies Department, noted that the contest was hoped to ensure that Jawi calligraphy will continue to flourish, be appreciated, and to be used in everyday life.
The invited guests and participants were able to view the submissions, which were displayed at the venue at the end of the competition.
The post Over 180 participants in Jawi calligraphy contest appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.