MECCA: More than 1,000 Malaysian Haj pilgrims at Arafah will join Muslims in Malaysia and other parts of the world in reading the Quran for an hour during the World and Merdeka #QuranHour this August 31.
Deputy minister in the prime minister’s department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the event is a symbolic gesture for Muslims to strive and make the Quran a part of their daily lives.
“As Muslims, we must always approach the Quran first by reading it, then understanding it, and finally practicing what it teaches,” he said at the launch of the World and Merdeka #QuranHour here on Sunday.
Also present were Tabung Haji (TH) group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Johan Abdullah, TH board members Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali and Tan Sri Shukry Mohd Salleh, and head of the Haj delegation Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman.
Asyraf said the theme for this year — “A Nation of Compassion” and “World of Compassion” — is timely given how people are overwhelmed by the half truths, lies, slander and negative comments in social media that stir hatred and conflict.
“We need to return Muslims to the principles of the Quran itself, because Islam invites people toward compassion, and such values should be vibrant in our society,” he added.
Asyraf said a compassionate society is the first step towards building a stronger nation that can withstand attempts by irresponsible parties to disrupt unity and harmony.
He said because this year’s #QuranHour coincides with the 60th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence, it is also timely to reflect on the country’s achievements and performance.
“Just because our hearts might disagree on one or two things, let’s not threaten to destroy what we’ve built so far. We cannot expect absolute perfection without looking at our own responsibility to contribute towards realising the bigger agenda of building our nation,” Asyraf said.
World #QuranHour will start at 8.30pm at Dataran Merdeka on Aug 31, as well as in selected mosques nationwide. Muslim communities in South Korea, New Zealand and Australia have also pledged their support to join the programme.
Media Prima Group is one of World #QuranHour's media partners.
