AhlulBayt News Agency - In a campaign to encourage more people to read the Quran, a group of distinguished individuals have come together to share their favorite verses from the Holy Book.
For the 31 days in March, 10 verses will be shared daily on various "Let’s Read the Quran 2016” social media platforms by the likes of Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow, Buddhist chief high priest Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
Other personalities such as TV presenter Daphne Iking, Dyana Sofya of DAP, senior lawyer Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, and law expert Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi are also contributors in the campaign.
The campaign, a brainchild of prominent activist Anas Zubedy and three other friends, started in 2009.
The campaign is not confined to only Muslims, as non-Muslims are also welcomed to join and learn the beauty of the divine scripture in Malay and English.
The idea, said Anas, was for more Muslims to know more about their own religion or moral compass.
"The non-Muslims can become our mirror. In other words, when the non-Muslims know about the codes in the Quran and when we don’t abide by it, they can question us – hey why don’t you do it?” he said.
Anas hoped that Let’s Read the Quran 2016 would spur other people to start similar campaigns to read the Bible and other holy scriptures.
"Malaysians would be able to gain all these shared, common values. We only started the ball rolling with the Quran,” he said.
Moderation advocate Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who contributed his 10 chosen verses in the campaign, said his favourite verses from the Quran were those related to Christianity.
Wong said the Quran made positive references to Jesus and Christians, and true Islam did not create animosity against Christians.
Wong, who is Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer, also said Muslims should not fear reading the Bible.
"Likewise non-Muslims should read the Quran and other holy scriptures to understand the common positive values in all faiths.
"Focus on the positive,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said problems arose when Muslims stressed more on reading and memorizing the Quran but not understanding the text.
"The Quran doesn’t change. It is still the same Quran. But if you read something that you don’t understand, you cannot be guided,” Dr Mahathir said in his speech to launch the campaign.
Emeritus Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam and Reverand Father Christopher Soosaipillai were among those who attended the launch.
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source : The Star
Sunday
21 February 2016
6:29:22 AM
736045
In a campaign to encourage more people to read the Quran, a group of distinguished individuals have come together to share their favorite verses from the Holy Book.