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A contest for best performance of azan (call for prayer) was arranged on August 16, 2012, at the ICC mosque in Odessa. It appears that a competition of the kind was the first one not only for Odessa, but for the whole Ukraine, as data about analogous events in previous time were not found when preparing the report.

Thirty members of various public Muslim associations of Odessa, including students coming to study from Syria, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, Jordan, Palestine, Tunisia and Pakistan were competing for the title of the best muedzin (azan performer).

Referees were serious: Sheikh Sami from Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Rabia from Egypt, Sheikh Nurrahman from Afghanistan, Sheikh Shafik from Jordan and Sheikh Imad Abu-r-Rubb from Ukraine.

The top place, according to unanimous opinion of the strict jury, was awarded to Mahammad Safietdin, muedzin from the Arab Cultural Center “As-Salam”; the second place was taken by Fazliddin Hashimov, muedzin of the Islamic Cultural Center “Al-Masar”, and the third place was shared by Nairweis, a member of the Afghan community, and Muhammad Jad’an, a student from Syria.

Before the contest, the participants and the audience had a good chance to listen brief lectures about significance of azan as an importance ritual before namaz, delivered by honored sheikhs who had come to Odessa for Ramadan on the “Alraid” invitation.

It is hoped that this first undertaking in the life of Odessa Muslims will become a good tradition and a good example for other Islamic communities in Ukraine, whereas for non-Muslims it should be a common matter like ringing bells of Christian churches.

reporter.