GOMBAK – The World #QuranHour programme should continue in the future with a more structured approach, focusing on organisations and smaller communities.
Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said this is because the programme is a very meaningful initiative to reconnect the hearts of the ummah with the Quran as a whole.
“I see the programme as a good step forward, especially after nearly eleven years of effort.
“So I hope World #QuranHour can be further expanded and implemented more comprehensively within the community,” he told Sinar.
He said this when attending World #QuranHour (WQH) 2026 at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), here on Wednesday.
WQH 2026, which marks its 11th year of organisation this year, features Surah Al-Muzzammil as the selected chapter with the theme ‘Shaping the Human Self Before Building the World’.
It is organised by WUIF and supported by the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) in collaboration with IIUM as the co-organiser.
Interestingly, the 2026 edition made its own history when, for the first time, the main tadabbur session and sharing were delivered in English to enable the message of the Quran to be understood by a wider international audience.
The approach is seen as in line with the presence of many diplomats and foreign representatives, including ambassadors and high commissioners from Türkiye, Maldives, Oman, Jordan, Iran, Tajikistan and Russia, who also took part in the programme, along with many international students from the university.
Shahar added that Surah Al-Muzzammil, which was highlighted in this programme, is a chapter that offers deep reflection for humanity.
“Through the surah, we are reminded that the formation of the soul must come first before we build society,” he said.