In response to the burning of the Quran in Sweden, the Malaysian government has taken initiative to print one million copies of the holy book, with 300,000 copies already distributed to several countries. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar revealed that 200,000 copies have been printed with English translations, while the remaining copies are in languages such as Swedish, Mandarin, Khmer, and French.
He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim), Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia, and Yayasan Restu in printing and distributing the Quran translations. The copies have been sent to countries like England, Tanzania, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced in January 2023 that Malaysia would issue one million copies of the Quran to be distributed globally as a response to the incident in Sweden. Mohd Na’im mentioned that the department aims to print and distribute the remaining copies by the end of the current year.
He encouraged the public to donate RM38 per copy to support the endowment of the holy book and ensure the success of the mission. The distribution of Quran translations in various languages is seen as a positive step towards promoting understanding and appreciation of the Islamic faith worldwide.
The initiative to print and distribute one million copies of the Quran demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to upholding religious values and fostering goodwill among diverse communities. The minister highlighted that the effort is a response to incidents that challenge the sanctity of the Quran and aims to spread the message of peace and harmony across borders.
The distribution of Quran translations in languages like English, Mandarin, Khmer, and French reflects Malaysia’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in religious education. By reaching out to countries around the world, the government seeks to enhance awareness and understanding of Islam among international audiences.
The cooperation between government agencies and religious foundations in printing and disseminating the Quran translations underscores the collective commitment to preserving and sharing the teachings of the holy book. The significance of this initiative lies in its potential to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, fostering greater unity and mutual respect among diverse communities.
As Malaysia continues to fulfill its mission of distributing Quran translations to various countries, the public is encouraged to support the cause through donations and endowments. The positive impact of this initiative extends beyond the act of distributing copies of the Quran, serving as a symbol of solidarity and compassion in the face of religious intolerance.
Through the distribution of Quran translations in multiple languages, Malaysia aims to promote mutual understanding and respect among individuals of different backgrounds. The outreach efforts strive to create a more inclusive and harmonious global community, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the values of peace and tolerance.
Overall, Malaysia’s initiative to print and distribute one million copies of the Quran with translations in various languages signifies a strong commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, cultural exchange, and mutual respect among nations. The distribution of the holy book serves as a powerful reminder of the universal values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that transcend geographical boundaries.
