NILAI, Dec 11 (Bernama) — A lengthy search for an Al-Quran learning class for the disabled has led Azizah Saari, 41, to Yayasan Pendidikan al-Quran bagi Anak Istimewa (Yayasan Faqeh).
Holding fast to the adage ‘When there is a will, there is a way’, the speech and hearing impaired factory worker from Penang found the sign-language-based Al-Quran recitation class offered by Yayasan Faqeh through her search on social media platform during the enforcement of the Movement Control Order to curb COVID-19 outbreak two years ago.
“I started in Ramadan 2020 when I found out about a tadarus (reciting Al-Quran in groups) programme without using voice for the first time in my life.
“Before (joining the class) I could only remember the letters (of the Al-Quran) and while I was in school, the teacher taught using voice but I couldn’t follow. But now, I have khatam (completed) the Al-Quran twice after joining the class,” she told Bernama through an interpreter when met after the Quran completion ceremony for persons with disabilities (PwD) here today.
She said she had a great time in the class as she could learn to recite the verses correctly, adding that she felt happy knowing that it was not too late for her to learn.
Assisted by experienced teaching staff, Azizah was taught to recite Al-Quran verses using hand code.
According to Azizah, the programme under Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) is highly beneficial to PwD like her as it helps them to recite Quran verses correctly.
Meanwhile, Aina Solehah Zainuddin, 8, a visually impaired girl from Terengganu expressed her joy for the opportunity to celebrate her completion of the al-Quran with fellow programme participants today.
“My Umi (mother) taught me to learn (the Quran) using Braille Quran, it’s easy to read, I enjoy reciting it and will read it after prayers. Today I completed the Quran for the first time,” she said.
USIM Board of Directors chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said the programme was aimed at nurturing the closeness to Al-Quran among the PwD, thus allowing them to demonstrate their skills.
He said Al-Quran could be learnt through several methods such as using the Braille Quran for the visually impaired individuals and the hand code for the hearing impaired people that allows them to read verses in the Holy Book without using voice.
In a related development, he said the mobile application developed by the university to help the hearing impaired learn and recite the Quran in April received a good response with nearly 2,000 users having downloaded the application.
The Quran sign language application, which is said to be the first such project in Malaysia is also aimed at promoting a balanced life among disabled people founded on Maqasid Syariah (objectives of Islamic principles) and the Islamic approach.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency