SERIAN: The Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS), with the support of the Sarawak government, is taking a strategic step to establish the Darul Hana Al-Quran Development Centre to further strengthen Quranic education and appreciation in the state.
MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha said the establishment of the centre reflects the outcome of continuous cooperation among various stakeholders in advancing Quranic studies in Sarawak.
He expressed confidence that the centre would become a landmark of Quranic excellence in Sarawak, producing Quran-centric generations capable of leading the ummah towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“The Darul Hana Al-Quran Development Centre is not only intended to serve as a training and learning hub, but also as a centre to produce Muslims who are well-versed in Quranic knowledge and to expand and cultivate the teaching of the Al-Quran,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the opening ceremony for ‘Majlis Tilawah dan Hafazan Al-Quran Peringkat Sarawak Kali Ke-65’ on Wednesday (Feb 4) night.
Misnu said this year’s theme, ‘Ummah Maju Makmur’ (A Progressive and Prosperous Ummah), describing it as a concept that goes beyond material achievements and physical development.
“A truly progressive ummah is one that is anchored in the Al-Quran, while prosperity is rooted in values, ethics, knowledge and justice guided by divine revelation. The Al-Quran forms the foundation in shaping a balanced community that excels intellectually while remaining spiritually and morally grounded,” he said.
Reflecting on the development of Quranic education in Sarawak over the past 70 years, Datuk Misnu said it began modestly, with individuals learning the muqaddam and Al-Quran at home under the guidance of personal teachers, despite limited resources.
“This journey later evolved into small-scale tilawah programmes at village and surau levels, before progressing into structured and prestigious state-level events as we see today,” he said.
Misnu pointed out that Sarawak has long emphasised Quranic appreciation through consistent tilawah programmes, strengthened Quranic education in mosques, surau and religious schools, and the nurturing of generations who regard the Al-Quran as a guide for life.
He said Sarawak has also produced many talented Qari and Qariah who have excelled at both national and international levels, bringing honour to the state.
This year, a total of 22 participants competed in the Tilawah Al-Quran category, while 21 took part in the Hafazan Al-Quran competition, bringing the overall participation to 43 contestants at the state level competiton.
