Giant Wooden Quran Showcased in Indonesia
Starting work on the giant wooden Quran in 2002, a team of writers, carvers, carpenters and painters led by Ihsaniyah Islamic boarding school caretaker Syofwatillah Mohzaib began carving timber from the Tembesu tree, which is known to be termite-proof and durable.
Seven years and US$170,976 later, the project, named Al-Quran Al-Akbar (The Biggest Quran) features 15 chapters of the Quran carved on both sides of 315 revolving timber panels measuring 177cm x 140 cm. The structure, which is five-stories high, will get even bigger as chapters 16 to 30 are currently being carved.
“I was inspired to make Al Akbar after completing the calligraphy and door ornaments at the Palembang Grand Mosque. I wanted to make the largest wood-carved Koran in the world,” Syofwatillah was quoted by the Jakarta Post.
“The creation of Al-Akbar was achieved purely with private donations and several larger donors, so it took a long time to finish. Work was suspended several times because we ran out of money,” Syofwatillah added.
Syofwatillah also he hoped to build a special 11-story building to house the wooden Quran, which is currently in his boarding school.
Source: World Bulletin
