PROPOSAL TO MAKE MADINATUL AL-QURAN A REGIONAL CENTRE FOR STUDIES, RESEARCH TO BE DISCUSSED

PUTRAJAYA, March 16 (Bernama) -- The proposal to establish Madinatul Al-Quran as a regional centre for mushaf printing, Quranic studies, and research will be discussed soon with Yayasan Restu and other relevant parties, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the proposal, put forward by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, has the potential to become a community-driven project, with participation from Muslims both in Malaysia and abroad.

“The plan to build, for example, Madinatul Al-Quran, God willing, I will discuss this in the next couple of days with Yayasan Restu executive chairman Datuk Abdul Latiff Mirasa.

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“This proposal is not only about establishing a centre, but with a far broader scope than initially planned, so it can function not just as a hub for mushaf printing, but also as a centre for Islamic studies and a leading research institution in the region.

“We may also explore collaboration with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) as well as local universities,” he said when launching the Mushaf Malaysia MADANI here today.

Anwar said the initiative is a significant undertaking that should be regarded as a key national project within the Malaysia MADANI framework.

The Prime Minister added that national development in economic, social, and technological aspects should also be guided by humanitarian values derived from the Quran, as understanding and reflecting on the holy text can provide guidance in distinguishing right from wrong.

He emphasised that the building of future generations should also be rooted in the values outlined in the Quran.

“Scholars say that developing a generation means nurturing a Quranic generation, or Jilun Qur’aniyun. It should be a special generation, not just ordinary development and growth,” he said.

He said that during official visits to countries including Peru, Brazil, South Africa, Italy, and Germany, Malaysian-produced mushafs were often presented as gifts to local Muslim communities.

“Wherever I go, I bring Malaysian mushafs to present to Muslims. Large copies are placed in mosques, medium ones given to religious teachers, and smaller ones to those familiar with memorisation,” he said.

Also present at the event were Fadillah, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said in a Facebook post that the Madinatul Al-Quran project is expected to be completed by early 2028.

-- BERNAMA