Include Malaysia #QuranHour in national tourism calendar – Zahid
Zahid added that independence belongs to all Malaysians, regardless of political, cultural, racial or religious differences.
SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH, NURSYAHMINA ZAINAL AND NUR ADNIN MAHALIM
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia #QuranHour will be promoted under the national tourism calendar alongside Maulidur Rasul and other major Islamic events, marking a significant step in positioning the Quran-centred programme as part of Islamic tourism.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposed that the Malaysia #QuranHour 2025 programme will be placed in the national tourism calendar, after organisers suggested for it to be included in the country’s annual calendar of events.
“As chairman of the tourism cabinet committee, InsyaAllah, I will bring this matter forward and there is actually no major obstacle for it to be included.
“This is part of Islamic Tourism, which we will promote together with several other events held in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul and other Islamic occasions in the country,” he told reporters at the National Mosque on Saturday.
Organised by the Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation (WUIF), the programme marked its 10th year globally with the theme 'Merdeka Dengan Rasa' (Freedom with Meaning).
Held at the National Mosque and broadcast live nationwide, it drew reflections from Surah Al-Saff, Surah Ali ‘Imran and Surah Al-Balad, emphasising empathy, justice and spiritual leadership.
Zahid added that independence belongs to all Malaysians, regardless of political, cultural, racial or religious differences.
“This year marks the 62nd Malaysia Day and the 68th Merdeka InsyaAllah, the bond between Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and all people of different backgrounds in this country must be expressed through wahdatul fiqh (unity of thought), wahdatul qulub (unity of hearts) and wahdatul amal (unity in action).
“We must act as one Malaysian nation and set aside these differences to celebrate Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day,” he added.
The event was attended by Zahid, Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, diplomats, muftis, officials and members of the public.
Meanwhile, Federal Territories Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzi expressed praise for the event, saying it revived the culture of the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, who taught the Quran to all mankind.
“I hope this teaching can also be extended to non-Muslims, across all levels, including those struggling in life and in need of guidance, as well as the youths who wander aimlessly.
“We don’t want only the pious to attend but also those facing challenges, because the Quran is for everyone. We believe the Quran is like the sun that will never be extinguished and will reach the hearts of all humanity," he said after the programme.
He also highlighted the loss of appreciation in today’s fast-paced world.
He explained that losing the sense of feeling is like a sick person unable to taste the sweetness of food or someone with eye pain who cannot see the brightness of the sun.
He further said the duty of believers is to enliven the soul in order to truly appreciate the blessings granted by Allah Almighty, as the ability to feel is itself one of the greatest gifts.
He added that many people travel to Mecca and Medina without experiencing this sense of appreciation. In the past, when journeys took months, pilgrims would be filled with deep emotion, tears and gratitude.
Today, the trip takes only eight hours, yet the sense of thankfulness has diminished.
According to him, modern conveniences have caused people to lose their appreciation, even for the gift of independence bestowed by Allah. He noted that nations still under colonial rule cannot shape their own destiny, emphasising the importance of valuing freedom.
“I encourage every month, not just the organisers here but anyone, to hold Quran-reading campaigns, Quran appreciation events, Quran understanding campaigns and jihad Quran campaigns.
"We can give it many names — Hidayatul Quran, Rahmah Quran, because the Quran is intellectual by nature.”
He added that such programmes should create awareness to guide people back to the Quran as a safinatun najah (ark of salvation). He stressed that while people often seek success, many fail to walk on the right path, just as a ship cannot sail on land.
The event also formed part of the official National Day 2025 Programme under the National Day Celebration Main Committee, demonstrating Malaysia’s commitment to embedding the Quran as a guide in everyday life.
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