KUALA LUMPUR - The 11th edition of World #QuranHour took place today, placing Surah Al-Muzzammil at the centre of its reflection while carrying the theme ‘Shaping the Human Self Before Building the World’.
The main programme was held at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque in Gombak, hosted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), which marked the seventh time the institution served as host for the global initiative.
For the first time, the main event was conducted in English to welcome ambassadors and international representatives attending the programme.
Participants included delegates from Iran, Oman, Tajikistan, Russia, Jordan, Afghanistan and Iraq, many of whom have supported the #QuranHour campaign over the years.
Organisers said the use of English aimed to create space for dialogue, knowledge-sharing and the exchange of perspectives on Quranic teachings, allowing participants to carry those insights back to their respective countries and expand the global movement of Quran appreciation.
The programme centred on Surah Al-Muzzammil, the 73rd chapter of the Quran consisting of 20 verses revealed in Mecca, which highlights perseverance, discipline and spiritual resilience.
The chapter reflects the early experiences of Prophet Muhammad SAW as he faced opposition and challenges while delivering the message of Islam.
Its verses emphasise several key themes, including strengthening the soul through night prayers and reflective recitation of the Quran, developing emotional and mental resilience during trials and fostering compassion and sustainability in relationships with others.
In a world increasingly marked by instability, conflict and moral challenges, the surah was presented as a reminder for believers to return to the Quran as a source of spiritual calm, inner strength and guidance.
Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation (WUIF) Founder Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub emphasised the importance of cultivating a deeper culture of engagement with the Quran.
He said society urgently needs to read, understand and practise the Quran in daily life, noting that Islam not only guides people in worldly matters but also prepares them for life beyond this world.
“The values of the Quran must be translated into practice through actions such as night prayers, reading the Quran, giving charity and performing other acts of worship.
“Through such practices, individuals of strong character and integrity can emerge; including trustworthy doctors, ethical engineers and wise leaders. Ultimately shaping a compassionate and resilient society,” he said.
The event was also graced by Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, whose presence highlighted the importance of encouraging a culture of reading, understanding and appreciating the Quran among the public.
Their attendance reflected the role of the royal institution in offering reassurance, guidance and stability to society, while encouraging unity rooted in shared values of respect, compassion and truth.
Also present were Deputy Economy Minister Mohd Shahar Abdullah, IIUM President Abdul Rashid Hussain, IIUM Rector Osman Bakar, as well as members of the diplomatic community.
This year’s edition was held at 696 locations across Malaysia and 13 locations abroad. The participation reflected how the Quran appreciation movement that began in Malaysia has gradually expanded beyond national borders.
Organisers emphasised that World #QuranHour is more than a Quran recitation programme.
Instead, it is a global movement aimed at nurturing individuals with calm hearts, strong spiritual foundations and consistent good deeds, qualities viewed as essential for building a peaceful and harmonious world.
The initiative ultimately seeks to remind people that meaningful global change begins with personal transformation, rooted in faith, knowledge and righteous action.