Kuala lumpur: In the Federal capital, the programme was organised for the 11th year at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and conducted in English for the first time, reflecting the university's status as an international-class institution. Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub, founder of the Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation (WUIF) and organiser of the programme, said the initiative was designed to ensure that participants, including international ambassadors, understood the message clearly, helping to spread the WQH wave to their respective home countries.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this year, the WQH programme is being held in 13 locations across 10 countries, including Makkah and Indonesia, in line with the message aimed at 'Quranising' the ummah. IIUM Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar emphasized the university's international stature, highlighting that IIUM has produced over 140,000 graduates from 140 countries.
In Selangor, the WQH was held at SACC Mall, Shah Alam, beginning with a tadarus session of Surah al-Muzammil, followed by tadabbur led by Ustaz Hassan Basri Ali and a tazkirah delivered by Pahang deputy mufti Datuk Dr Badli Shah Alauddin.
In Melaka, more than 5,000 Muslims, including school and tahfiz students, civil servants, and members of the local community, attended the Tadarus and Khatam al-Quran Perdana Ceremony held at the Al-Azim Mosque, Bukit Palah. The Grand Imam of the Al-Azim Mosque, Datuk Muhammad Hashim Al Hafiz, led the Khatam al-Quran ceremony, while Mohamad Nafi' Mohamad Nor, winner of the state-level Quran recital competition, recited Surah al-Muzammil. The event was graced by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka, Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, alongside State Education Higher Education and Religious Affairs committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman.
Meanwhile, in Perak, around 1,500 people attended the programme held at the Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque in Ipoh. The event saw the presence of Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Jeneral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin and State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah. Mohd Zahidi noted that the WQH initiative inspires the community to develop a closer relationship with the Quran and appreciate its teachings.
In Kelantan, Persatuan Rumah Ngaji chairman Datuk Adnan Hashim mentioned that the programme at the As-Siddiqin Mosque in Mukim Panchor, Kota Bharu, attracted over 1,000 participants. This year's change in venue to a suburban mosque was aimed at encouraging greater local participation, with increasing involvement from school students.
In Kedah, more than 300 participants took part in the programme at the Sultanah Bahiyah Mosque in Alor Setar, featuring various activities like religious talks and qasidah and nasyid competitions. Shahizan Affandi Zakaria, director of the Kedah Public Library Corporation, stated that varying the location each year helps attract broader public interest.
In Perlis, 309 students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Putra and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Putra participated in the programme at Masjid Al-Arifin Padang Katong in Kangar. Masjid chairman Sazali Saidin highlighted the focus on Surah al-Muzammil to encourage participants to appreciate its profound messages.
In Penang, the programme was held at six locations, with the main event at Masjid Daerah Seberang Perai Selatan Jawi in Jawi, Nibong Tebal, officiated by Penang mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman. The other venues included Darul Hannan, Penang Islamic Religious Council, and others, involving a total of 1,700 participants.