Istiqamah produces virtuous leaders

PUTRAJAYA - Youths need to liberate themselves by remaining istiqamah (consistent) in doing good to ensure the stability of their leadership in the future.

Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation (WUIF) chief research officer Fazrul Ismail said the message delivered in the Malaysia #QuranHour programme through surah Al-Insan was a portrayal of a sincere heart and determination to carry out responsibilities as well as reflecting the abrar (virtuous) character in leaders.

"The original idea was how to consistently do good, which requires youths to be independent through a genuine servitude to God and hence, do good unconditionally.

"They continue to do good despite being insulted or not appreciated. If they can be filled with such attitude for the next 66 years, I am confident that Malaysia will continue to progress," he said after the event yesterday.

The ceremony which took place at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque carried a theme of 'Malaysia Berlaklak Mulia: Permuda Merdeka, Pemimpin Abrar' (A Virtuous Malaysia: Liberated Youth, Pious Leader) in conjunction with the 66th National Day celebration accompanied with a mission of Surah Al-Fatihah, Surah Al-Insan and Surah Al-Asr.

Fazrul added that youths also needed to do good n in order for them to be consistent in carrying out good deeds.

Yesterday, a total of 20,000 participants gathered for the programme in 200 locations nationwide.

At the main location at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, about 3,000 participants attended.

The Malaysia #QuranHour also took place in locations outside the country such as in Bangkok, Thailand; New South Wales, Australia and Washington, United States.

WUIF chief executive officer Marhaini Yusoff said that this year, which was the ninth edition of the programme, focused on the agenda of young people and the role of adults.

"Youths are a pillar and an important asset in building the nation in the future. This combination complements each other in giving birth to Gen Q (Generation of the Quran) followed by abrar leaders," she said.

Marhaini pointed out that Malaysia #QuranHour 2023 managed to reach 808 million views across all media platforms.

The programme was also attended by Datin Nik Roslini Raja Ismail, the wife of the Religious Affairs Minister, Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff and Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Adam Adli.

Also present were Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman, Lembah Jaya assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman (Altimet) and former Permatang Pasir assemblyman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil.

Also present were WUIF founder Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub and Sinar Harian Group editor-in-chief Zamri Rambli.

Malaysia #QuranHour this time was guided by five reciters namely Abdul Qowiy Abd Rashit, Tilmiz Afif, Amir Naufal Rifqi, Faris Hadi Taufik and Yusuf Kassim.

It was alternately done with tadabbur sessions by Fazrul, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia's Faculty of Quran and Sunnah Studies (research and innovation) deputy dean Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Sanusi Azmi and preacher Mujib Othman.

The Al-Quran Pledge was recited by Yusuf Azmin while the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque Grand Imam Nur Azamir Alias recited the dua.