Include Berzanji, Marhaban In Programmes To Revive Malay-Islamic Heritage - Mohd Annuar

IPOH, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The practice of ‘berzanji’ and ‘marhaban’ should be incorporated into all programmes to revive Malay-Islamic cultural heritage among the public, particularly the younger generation, says Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.

The Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president said efforts to uphold the traditional art forms centred on praising the Prophet Muhammad should not be confined to competitions or specific programmes, but must become a regular fixture in official government events and educational institutions.

He said this step is essential to ensure that berzanji and marhaban do not become marginalised and eventually forgotten by future generations.

"If we do not preserve our Malay culture, it will eventually be lost to time. That is why we must revive it through cooperation among religious institutions, the education department, and government agencies," he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2026 Perak State-Level Secondary School Berzanji and Marhaban Competition at the Perak State Education Department in Meru Raya here today.

Also present were Perak Islamic Religious Department director Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim and Perak State Education director Zulkafli Mohamed Mokhtar.

Mohd Annuar said berzanji and marhaban recitations could be promoted through performances at official ceremonies, department-level celebrations, religious programmes, and events organised by government agencies.

This approach, he said, would not only expose the youth to the traditional arts, but also nurture an appreciation of Malay-Islamic traditions in community life.

He also suggested organising public speaking and essay writing competitions centred on the history and role of berzanji and marhaban in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul and Maal Hijrah celebrations.

"When students take part in essay writing competitions, they conduct research and teachers can guide them. Indirectly, they will gain knowledge about this heritage," he said.

Mohd Annuar added that efforts to revive Malay heritage should also be expanded to martial arts (silat) and other traditional customs, including the practice of presenting ‘bunga telur’ at weddings.

He hoped that cooperation among MAIPk, the Perak Islamic Religious Department, the Perak State Education Department, and other relevant agencies could be strengthened to ensure Malay-Islamic cultural heritage continues to be practised and passed on to future generations.

-- BERNAMA