Perak Ruler graces World #QuranHour
Envoys from 17 countries also join third edition of global recital campaign
GOMBAK: Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah graced the World #QuranHour programme held at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Gombak.
It was the third edition organised by the Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation, which initiated the first Quran recital campaign in 2015.
The Quran reading event at the university yesterday was also attended by ambassadors and representatives of embassies from 17 countries.
They were joined by Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) directorgeneral Datuk Mohamad Nordin Ibrahim, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, vicepresident Nurul Izzah Anwar and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub, founder of the Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation which organised the event with IIUM, said the event aimed to change the global perception of Islam and present a more inclusive and progressive image of the religion.
The World #QuranHour campaign, which is being held nationwide, is aimed at encouraging Muslims to read, understand and apply the values of the Quran in their daily lives.
Under the theme “World of Compassion”, those attending the Quran reading sessions are encouraged to practise forgiveness, reconciliation, respect, peace and sincerity.
IIUM rector Prof Datuk Seri Dr Zaleha Kamarudin welcomed Anwar, who is a former IIUM president, back to the campus.
“I hope that by taking this moment to interact with the Quran, we can set aside our differences and unite our hearts with the Quran,” said Dr Zaleha.
Nurul Izzah expressed her delight at celebrating World #QuranHour for a second time, this time with her father.
Turkey ambassador to Malaysia Dr Merve Safa Kavakci stressed the importance of campaigns such as World #QuranHour.
“I am very grateful to be part of it,” she added.
World #QuranHour was also held simultaneously at nearly 3,000 locations across Malaysia and at 67 locations across 30 countries.