KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is prepared to collaborate with the Muslim World League (MWL) to establish standardised guidelines for Quran recitation and the recognition of “Qurra” (certified Quran reciters) based on authentic sanad (chains of transmission).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, said the partnership - through the International Forum For The Authentication Of Quranic Ijazah And Honouring Asean Quran Reciters- must be strengthened as a platform to unify the recognition process.
He said such efforts would ensure the continued production of qualified “Qurra’ worldwide, while elevating their authority in the Quranic field.
“We (JAKIM) want to work with the MWL, not only in recognising Quran recitations but also in ensuring that the chain of transmission of Quranic knowledge can be traced to the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
“Each country has its own methods, so this forum provides the avenue to discuss how we can standardise recognition and verify that the sanad between Quran teachers and their masters is preserved through proper processes,” he told reporters after attending the forum here today.
Also present were MWL secretary-general Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Abdul Kareem al-Issa and JAKIM Director-General Datuk Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
The forum, organised by MWL, aims to authenticate Quranic degrees based on the sanad tradition while honouring ASEAN reciters for their excellence in Quranic recitation.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Mohd Na’im said the awarding of recognised degrees provides solid proof that the sanad of Quranic knowledge has been faithfully transmitted from teacher to student across generations.
He said that without a strong recognition system, the Islamic world risks losing the continuity of tawatur, thereby undermining the authenticity of recitation and erasing a sacred heritage.
He added that in today’s fast-paced digital era, where information spreads without borders, Muslims cannot allow Quranic recitation to be falsified or distorted.
“Strengthening the certification of Quranic degrees is not merely about recitation, it is the essence of the Transformation of al-Falah, a grand agenda that unites spiritual excellence with the progress of society.
“A recognised degree is more than a certificate. It is the ultimate guarantee that the heritage of the Quran will remain authentic, preserved, and sacred forever,” he said.
At the forum, more than 30 reciters from various countries were awarded the confirmation of their Quranic degrees, while 10 eminent personalities from ASEAN countries were awarded the “Anugerah Tokoh Qari”.
-- BERNAMA
