Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Egypt’s Minister of Awqaf, attended the launch of the second season of Dawlet El Telawa (State of Recitation), describing the competition as a major national, cultural, and religious initiative following the remarkable success of its inaugural season.
He said the program was widely embraced by Egyptian families from all walks of life, brought joy to audiences across the country, and demonstrated the Egyptian people’s deep attachment to the Holy Quran, their passion for its recitation, and their appreciation for the gifted voices that beautifully recite the words of God.
The minister explained that the second season marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between the Ministry of Awqaf and United Media Services (UMS). He revealed that the competition has attracted more than 25,000 applicants, compared to around 14,000 in its first season, with Sharqia Governorate recording the highest number of participants. He also announced that this season has been dedicated to the Divine Name “Al-Latif” (The Most Gentle), noting that it reflects the Egyptian character in its understanding of faith, destiny, humanity, and God’s blessings.
Al-Azhari stressed that the ministry aims to foster a spirit of positive competition among Egypt’s governorates, districts, and villages in serving the Holy Quran. One of the key additions this season, he said, is expanded competition among governorates throughout all stages of the contest, culminating in the selection of 32 finalists, whose performances will be recorded and broadcast on various television channels, as was the case in the first season.
The minister emphasized that the primary objective of Dawlet El Telawa is to discover exceptional Quran recitation talents blessed with extraordinary voices. While the rules of Tajweed can be learned and perfected through training, he said, the beauty and distinction of a voice are divine gifts bestowed by God. The ministry is therefore committed to identifying and nurturing these talents in an effort to revive the golden era of Egypt’s legendary Quran reciters.
Al-Azhari noted that the first season’s success extended well beyond Egypt, earning widespread praise throughout the Islamic world and from audiences in many other countries. He said the ministry received extensive positive feedback internationally, reflecting the strong support and patronage the Egyptian state has given this pioneering initiative.
The minister also praised the strong support provided by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for Dawlet El Telawa, recalling the president’s remarks during the Ministry of Awqaf’s Laylat Al-Qadr celebration for 1447 AH, when he described the program as an inspiring Egyptian model that embodies the country’s leadership and brings Egyptian families together around the values of beauty and refined taste. President El Sisi also expressed hope that the initiative could inspire similar projects in other fields, contributing to the creation of a “State of Knowledge” and a “State of Creativity and Innovation.”
Al-Azhari further noted that President El Sisi also commended the project during the Egyptian Women and Ideal Mother Celebration, reaffirming the state’s commitment to discovering and nurturing talented individuals across various fields. The minister concluded by congratulating the Egyptian people on the country’s continued achievements across different sectors, praising Egypt’s sporting and national accomplishments as a testament to the creativity and excellence of its people.
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