From Malaysia to the World: Massive Quran Donation Project Nears Completion
Malaysia's One Million Quran Waqf Solidarity Project, mooted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in 2023, is nearing completion with 700,000 copies printed and the remaining 300,000 in production.
Restu Foundation executive chairman Abdul Latiff Mirasa said the final batch is expected to be ready within three to four months.
He added that more than 500,000 copies have already been distributed locally and abroad, including to Africa and Asia. The public waqf initiative aims to expand Islamic outreach and strengthen Malaysia's position as a global Quranic hub.
"This initiative has had a major impact and elevated the Prime Minister as a global ambassador of the Quran. Now, we send one to two containers of the Quran worldwide almost every month," he said.
Anwar announced the plan in January 2023 as a response to Quran-burning incidents in Sweden, stating that the move would promote better understanding of the holy book's message across different faiths.
On translation efforts, Abdul Latiff said the project currently covers 30 languages, with approval to add another 20 to 30 progressively.
"At least 12 new languages are set for completion this year, including Vietnamese, Thai, Lao, and Iban, as well as Urdu and Russian," he said.
To date, the foundation has translated the Quran into languages including Malay, English, Khmer, Tagalog, Spanish (European and Latin American), French, Italian, Swahili, Hausa, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish, German, Mandarin, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bosnian, and Burmese.
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About 100 experts are involved in translation and manuscript illumination, with all editions strictly vetted under the Uthmani script method approved by the Home Ministry.
"Each language edition takes between three and six months to complete. We are also working with experts from Turkey and Saudi Arabia to ensure translations are authentic and in accordance with the beliefs of Ahl Sunnah Wal Jamaah," he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Latiff said the foundation is preparing the Mushaf Malaysia Madani, expected to be launched by the Prime Minister this Ramadan.
The manuscript, hand-copied over five years, combines traditional Malay Jawi calligraphy with digital QR codes, allowing readers to access recitations and translations via smartphones.
Source: nst.com.my
