PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today handed over a rare and intricately produced Qur’anic manuscript to world-renowned Yemeni scholar Al-Habib Umar bin Muhammad Salim bin Hafiz, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to champion Quranic knowledge and Islamic artistic heritage.
The formal presentation of the Mushaf Tarim Riwayat ad-Duri ‘an Abi Amr wa al-Basri took place at Masjid Putra, following dawn prayers attended by more than 10,000 worshippers.
The Mushaf Tarim Riwayat ad-Duri ‘an Abi Amr wa al-Basri is a specific edition of the Qur'an text (Mushaf) that adheres to a particular school of recitation (Qira'ah).
The event marked the culmination of a key component of the One Million Qur’an Project, a national initiative launched under Anwar’s leadership to promote the global stature of Malaysia’s Quranic scholarship and publishing.
“This is not merely a manuscript. It reflects the unity of faith, knowledge and art — a gift to the Muslim world and a symbol of Malaysia’s enduring ties with the Islamic scholarly tradition,” said Anwar.
The Mushaf Tarim represents a collaborative effort between the Malaysian government, Yayasan Restu, Nasyrul Quran, and Yemen’s Dar al-Mustafa institute, led by Al-Habib Umar himself. It is based on the ‘Riwayat ad-Duri’ recitation method, one of ten canonical Qira’at, distinguished by its unique articulation and vocal traditions.
Produced by five master calligraphers from Yayasan Restu, the manuscript was initiated in 2015, completed in 2019, and published in its final form in 2024.
The A5-sized volume features refined Arabic script and is embellished with traditional Yemeni motifs symbolising the harmony between the spiritual and the aesthetic.
“This project enhances Malaysia’s reputation as a hub for Islamic arts and learning while deepening our historical and da’wah ties with Yemen,” Anwar noted during the ceremony.
Earlier in the morning, Anwar arrived at Masjid Putra at 5.55am to join the congregation for Qiamullail prayers followed by Subuh (Dawn), led by Imam Abdul Karim Zakaria.
The event continued with a Kuliah Subuh MADANI by Al-Habib Umar at 6.15am, where he delivered a lesson based on Qomi’ Al-Thugyan ‘ala Manzumah Syu’ab al-Iman — a seminal work by Javanese scholar Sheikh Muhammad Nawawi al-Bantani, which discusses the 77 branches of faith, covering aspects of aqidah (creed), akhlaq (ethics), and shariah (law).
In his sermon, Al-Habib Umar stressed the importance of grounding faith in remembrance of Allah, His words, and love for Prophet Muhammad SAW.
“Among the signs of loving the Qur’an is loving the Prophet. Allah commands us to worship Him by loving the Messenger,” he said.
“Those who truly love the Prophet will embrace his Sunnah, live with the Hereafter as their goal, and feel ever close to Allah.”
He added that such individuals would naturally avoid distractions of the worldly life and steer clear of major sins while fulfilling religious obligations.
Concluding his sermon, Al-Habib Umar offered prayers for the wellbeing of the Prime Minister and the people of Malaysia, asking for continued peace and divine blessings. He also extended heartfelt prayers for the people of Palestine, who remain under oppression.
Also in attendance were the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, and Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. - October 16, 2025
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