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Malaysia picks 26-year-old as top Young Imam
[Al Arabiya Latest] A 26-year-old scholar was late Friday named winner of a hugely popular Malaysian TV talent show search for a top young Islamic leader which has gained worldwide attention.I'll bet it was the flaming baton twirling that did it... The "Young Imam" program has seen 10 finalists hit the prime-time stage to recite verses from the Koran, wash corpses and slaughter sheep according to Islamic rules, and persuade youngsters away from sex and drugs. ...and world peace. Religious scholar Mohammed Asyraf Mohammed Ridzuan, 26, beat Hizbur Rahman Omar Zuhdi, a 27-year-old religious teacher in the finale, after the 10-week series which began in May saw eight other contestants eliminated. Did he literally "beat" him? The show, which is the first of its kind, follows the reality-TV formula of shows such as "American Idol" in the U.S. and "The X Factor" in Britain, and has ignited new enthusiasm for Islam among Mohammedan youth. They should make them fight each other like on "American Gladiators"... "I feel good. Thanks to my parents, my wife and my fellow villagers who have been supporting me," an emotional Asyraf told the studio audience of more than 1,000 at the end of the show, which was aired live over Islamic lifestyle channel Astro Oasis. Oh, God. When will I be getting that on my cable package? Asyraf, clad in a black long robe over a smart black suit, hugged the runner-up on stage as soon as he was declared the winner, and was "crowned" with a white Islamic skullcap as his fans cheered his victory. There he is Mister Young Imam There he is Your ideal... The winner gets a trip to Mecca to perform the hajj pilgrimage, a scholarship to al-Madinah University in Saudi Arabia, and a job at a head-bonking palace. ...and lifetime supply of Vaseline. Posted by: Fred 2010-07-31 |
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