Kuala lumpur: 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, emphasized the importance of strengthening this partnership through the International Forum For The Authentication Of Quranic Ijazah And Honouring Asean Quran Reciters as a unified platform for recognition processes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na’im highlighted the need for such efforts to ensure the continued production of qualified ‘Qurra’ worldwide and to elevate their authority in the Quranic field. He expressed JAKIM’s commitment to working with the MWL not only in recognising Quran recitations but also in ensuring the traceability of the Quranic knowledge transmission chain back to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. The forum provides an avenue for discussing the standardisation of recognition processes and the preservation of the sanad between Quran teachers and their masters.

The forum, organised by MWL, aims to authenticate Quranic degrees based on the sanad tradition and honour ASEAN reciters for their excellence in Quranic recitation. During his speech, Mohd Na’im stressed the importance of recognised degrees as solid proof of the faithful transmission of Quranic knowledge from teacher to student across generations. He warned against the risk of losing the continuity of tawatur, which could undermine the authenticity of recitation and erase a sacred heritage.

Mohd Na’im further noted the challenges posed by the fast-paced digital era, where information spreads rapidly and without borders, making it crucial for Muslims to prevent the falsification or distortion of Quranic recitation. He underscored the significance of strengthening Quranic degree certification as it represents the essence of the Transformation of al-Falah, uniting spiritual excellence with societal progress. A recognised degree serves as the ultimate guarantee of the Quran’s authentic, preserved, and sacred heritage.

The forum witnessed the awarding of Quranic degree confirmations to over 30 reciters from various countries, while 10 eminent personalities from ASEAN countries received the ‘Anugerah Tokoh Qari’.