MIRI – The Zikir Al-Ummah Group from Masjid Al-Ummah Tudan Phase 4 emerged victorious at the Miri Division Marhaban Zikir Competition 2025, held on Sunday at the Tun Rahman Hall, Masjid At-Taqwa Miri.
The group captivated the judges with their renditions of Khairuman and Badatlana, earning the right to represent Miri at the Borneo-level Marhaban Zikir Competition in Kuching on 1 and 2 November.
Second place went to the Suara Zikir Madani Miri Group from Masjid Miri Jalan Merbau, who performed Khairuman and Falakam Lahu.
The inaugural competition was jointly organised by the Miri Malay Association, Masjid At-Taqwa, Persatuan Iman Miri Division and Masjid Miri.
It aimed not only to select representatives for the upcoming regional competition, but also to celebrate Malay Islamic culture and preserve traditional Islamic art forms for the younger generation.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, officiated the event and praised it as an initiative that reinforces Islamic teachings while fostering unity within the community.
He also pledged a RM5,000 contribution to support the continuation of similar cultural and religious programmes.
Competition Chairman and President of the Miri Malay Association, Radzali Alision, said the event was designed to strengthen Malay Islamic identity in Miri while highlighting the beauty of zikir performances.
The event was also attended by Deputy Mayor of Miri City Councillor Ariffin Mohamad, Pemanca Ujut Rahman, Penghulu Samad Alip, and local Muslim community leaders.