MANAMA, April 13, 2006 (IslamOnline.net) – In recognition of their valuable contributions, five prominent Muslim figures were awarded on Wednesday, April 12, the prestigious World Youth Prize for Serving the Islamic Work.

"It is a great honor to be awarded this prize," Fahd al-Seneidy, a Saudi, told IslamOnline.net, after receiving the prize as the best media man.

"It shoulders us with greater responsibilities to keep serving our religion," he added.

The other decorated figures were Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Shatri (Yemen) in the field of the Noble Qur'an, Sheikh Mohamed al-Hasan Dedew al-Sheinketi (Mauritania) in lecturing, Sheikh Aid al-Garni (Saudi) in authoring and Mohamed Mustafa Abu Ratib (Syria) in Islamic singing.

Initiated by the World Islamic Art group and under the auspices of al-Eslah charity, the World Youth Prize for Serving the Islamic Work aims at encouraging young Muslims to serve Islam and promote its merciful teachings.

Winners are chosen through nominations from the public and by a six-strong committee from the organizing bodies.

Previous winners included Mashari Rashid (Kuwait), Amr Khaled (Egypt), Sheikh Mohamed al-Awadi (Kuwait), Dr. Ali al-Hammadi (UAE) and Mohamed Monzer Sermeiny (Syria) in April 2005.

Renowned figures Saad al-Ghamedi, Dr. Ibrahim al-Doweish and Sheikh Mohamed Moussa al-Sharif (Saudi Arabia) and Eng. Usama Hashem al-Safi (UAE) were the winners of the prize's first edition in July 2003.

"We have so many creative people who could breathe a new life into the Muslim nation," said Gahous.

The ceremony started with recitation of verses from the Noble Qur'an followed by speeches.

"The Muslim nation is in a dire need of creative figures in the different fields to stand against campaigns targeting Islam," said Khaled Ahmed Gahous, deputy chairman of al-Eslah group.

"We have so many creative people who could breathe a new life into the nation and promote optimism and confidence among Muslims."

Dr. Ali Bin Hamza al-Omari, secretary general of the World Islamic Art group, agreed.

He said some Muslim figures have dedicated their lives to serving Islam and advancing the Muslim nation.

"Among those are the winners of this year's prize."

This prize is an honor to all religious singers and encourages us to pursue our efforts to promote the merciful teachings of Islam, said Abu Ratib.

Abu Ratib, the religious singing prize winner, said he felt proud receiving the prestigious prize.

"I thank our religion which taught me to use art to highlight the merciful teachings of Islam and the characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him)," he told the gathering.

"This prize is an honor to all religious singers and encourages us to pursue our efforts to promote the merciful teachings of Islam."

Sheikh Sheinketi, the winner of the lecturing prize, agreed.

"The prize is a step in the right direction to help the Muslim nation meet its obligations and face off the daunting challenges."

He urged attendees and Muslims everywhere to adhere to the Islamic teachings in the face of current campaigns targeting their religion.