World Muslimah Award is a beauty pageant with a difference

An eclectic mix of women from around the world were yesterday competing in a beauty pageant in Indonesia exclusively for Muslims, seen as a riposte to Western contests.

The women, who include professionals from a range of fields, were to parade in glittering dresses against the backdrop of ancient temples for the contest in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. However, the 18 finalists were required to wear the Muslim headscarf and were to be judged not only on their appearance, but also on how well they recite verses from the Koran and their views on Islam in the modern world.

"We want to see that they understand everything about the Islamic way of life - from what they eat, what they wear, how they live their lives," said an organiser, Jameyah Sheriff.

The World Muslimah Award first drew attention last year when organisers presented it as a peaceful protest to Miss World, which was taking place around the same time on Bali.

British contestant Dina Torkia said she hoped this year's award would not only provide a contrast to Western beauty pageants, but would also dispel prejudices against Islam.

"I think the most important thing is to show that we are really normal girls, we are not married to terrorists. This scarf on my head isn't scary," she said.