By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, March 20 — The Selangor Women’s Khatam Quran ceremony, now in its fifth year, aims to make the state an Islamic knowledge and research hub.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said the programme is not merely symbolic, but strengthens Islam’s position by inviting Muslims to study the holy book and apply its values in their daily lives.
“We believe in the development of holistic human capital, which is rooted in belief in God and strong piety. These will lead to true worship and pure morals.
“In this era, women must play an important role in guiding their families and leading their communities to stand fast with the teachings of the Quran,” she said in a speech during the ceremony, which was enlivened by 700 participants.
Also present was Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, who delivered the officiation speech.
“This event will be an annual one to not only celebrate our success in reading all of the Quran’s 30 parts, but also to strengthen community ties and empower the role of Muslim women,” she said.
Selangor is also driving efforts to boost the understanding of Islam through the Turath Islami Festival. Launched in 2023, the festival was the brainchild of Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, who aspires to dignify the traditional study of Islam in the state, and eventually the country.
In 2023, the event focused on spirituality, presented by Egypt ex-mufti Prof Ali Juma’ah Muhammad Abdul Wahab, which touched on Ihya Ulumuddin by Imam al-Ghazali.
Last year, the focus of the discussion was on Hadis 40 Imam Nawawi, also led by Ali Juma’ah.
The Al-Wahyu exhibit, which was held the same year, featured a manuscript by Shekih Nuruddin Ar-Raniri and various individual collections.
[caption id="attachment_394166" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari speaks at the Selangor Women’s Khatam Quran officiation ceremony at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Abdul Aziz, Shah Alam, on March 20, 2025. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_394167" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin accepts a souvenir from state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari during the Selangor Women’s Khatam Quran officiation ceremony at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Abdul Aziz, Shah Alam, on March 20, 2025. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_394168" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin greets Selangor Women’s Khatam Quran participants at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Abdul Aziz, Shah Alam, on March 20, 2025. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_394169" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Selangor Women’s Khatam Quran function participants seen at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Abdul Aziz, Shah Alam, on March 20, 2025. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
