'They may be blind but not in their hearts'

A total of 32 visually impaired or blind participants recited al-Quran verses using their braille copy of the Quran at the Khatam Al-Quran 2.0 Ceremony at Kumpulan Karangkraf Shah Alam Selangor today.

The participants read several Surahs from the 30 Juz of the holy book.

Kumpulan Karangkraf co-advisor Datuk Muhammad Nasir Hamzah expressed his admiration for the Association of Blind Muslims Malaysia (Pertis), Yayasan Maghfirah, Gurney Training Centre, and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia for their determination.

He said that although they were blind, they were able to read and understand the Kalamullah (Quran) better than people who can see.

"Their eyes may be blind, but not their hearts. In fact, there are among them people who know the Quran better than us and who have good eyesight.

"When I approached them earlier, I was informed that some of them had almost finished reciting the Quran for the second time this Ramadan. Imagine just how great they are to be able to finish the entire Quran content even though we are only at the middle of the holy month," he said when they met after the ceremony.

Also present were Sinar Karangkraf chief executive officer Farah Hussamuddin; Sinar Harian editor-in-chief Zamri Rambli; Yayasan Maghfirah chief executive officer Muhamad Shuib Norudin; Pertis vice president Jasmadin Budin, and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor.

In the meantime, Nasir also praised the Islamic division of Sinar Harian, Sinar Islam Plus' effort in organising the programme for the second time.

He hoped that the programme could be continued and expanded in the future, especially by involving the group.

"So that they don't feel isolated from the community.

"For me, it's a very good effort and we should pay attention to them," he said.

Meanwhile, Azri welcomed the programme that invites the community to get closer to the Quran.

"This is the first time MBI Selangor is sponsoring a programme, considering it is a good spiritual ceremony," he said.

He hopes that such a programme could be held for years to come, as it is in line with the state government's vision.

"We also launched another similar programme called '30 Hari, 30 Ayat' as posted on MBI Selangor's social media page," he said.

The event, themed 'Tinta Emas Mencipta Generasi Taqaddum,' received support from MBI Selangor as a strategic partner.

All participants were guided by two certified religious teachers, Ustaz Muhammad Halim Zainuddin and Ustaz Khairi Maidin.

Participants were given certificates and gifts.

The ceremony was broadcast live on all Sinar Harian social media platforms, including Facebook, Sinar Islam Plus, SinarPlus, and Sinar Bestari.