BACHOK: A mosque here has promised free bikes for children aged 10 to 12 who attend prayers there every day for a month this Ramadan.
It is a unique way by the committee of Mahmudi Mosque, located in front of Pantai Irama, to encourage children to fill up the mosque during the holy month.
Senior imam Ustaz Baharin Yusoff, said the initiative had started since last year, when every child who attend the mosque would register his name for the three scheduled prayers.
"Those who show a full attendance for the Subuh, Maghrib and Isyak prayers will be given a bicycle.
"Initially, they might come to the mosque for the sake of the free bike offer, but over time, their interest to perform prayers will grow," he said when met at the mosque yesterday.
Baharin said last year, more than 100 children attended the programme, but only 15 managed a full attendance for the three prayers.
"Everyone can win a free bike if they fulfil the condition. This year, we are also rewarding the most active senior citizen who attends the most tarawih prayers," he said, adding that the winners would be known on the 28th of Ramadan, when the prizes are given away.
For M. Abby Danial Mohd Hakiki, 10, he registered for the programme last year and managed to win a hamper for performing the tarawih prayers for 30 days.
"I like coming to the mosque because I can help other jemaah (congregations) to prepare food and keeping the place clean. If I get a bicycle, it’s my good fortune. If I don’t, it’s okay, because I’m doing it for Allah,” said the Sekolah Kebangsaan Kemudi student.
Muhammad Zahin Najmi Zamri, 13, hoped he would get a free bicycle to replace his damaged one.
He said he often go to the mosque with his father, Zamri Ismail, 51, because it’s only 100 meters away from his house.
"I have told my friends about the free bicycle gifts ask them to come to the mosque. What I enjoy most is to be able to perform congregational prayers and recite the salawat together," he added.