While there is a need for continuous efforts in improving the Al-Quran reading ability of students in primary level, it is also important to asses the capability of those in secondary schools.

This was stated in a titah delivered by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the finals of the National Musabaqah Al-Quran Recitation Competition for Adults 1437H/2016 at the International Convention Centre, last night.

"The country gives the highest attention to Al-Quran and never takes it lightly. Instead, Al-Quran continues to be protected and glorified through various programmes," His Majesty said.

"Even though secondary school students have learnt Al-Quran reading through religious schools until primary six, there are signs that the quality of their recitation is not as good as expected," the monarch noted.

In the titah, His Majesty emphasised the need for continuous efforts in planning and implementing suitable programmes towards improving the Al-Quran reading ability of students.

"It is important to give thoughts on how to increase the effectiveness of Al-Quran subject in religious schools as it is public knowledge that the level of performance in Al-Quran reading in religious schools is still at a level that needs refinement and improvement."

What is important is to make children truly proficient in reading the Al-Quran, His Majesty said, adding that this is the most important aspect to be taken care of before going into other aspects such as understanding of the verses.

Other than refining the Al-Quran reading ability at the primary school level, the monarch called for a study on the proficiency in reading the holy book at the secondary level.

"When the quality of Al-Quran reading is not at the expected level, then an immediate and realistic study must be carried out."

The need to improve the Al-Quran learning system, especially at religious schools, is most urgent, because religious schooling is the foundation of the national education system, His Majesty noted.

Earlier in the titah, the monarch highlighted that this year marked the 56th year of the competition.

"The Al-Quran reading competitions organised in the country, especially at student and youth levels, have demonstrated how vital Al-Quran is to the country," His Majesty said.

Touching on efforts to promote the holy book, the monarch said, "We have established learning programmes on Al-Quran through the religious schooling system. We have also created programmes to memorise it, including the study of Qira'at Al-Quran at the Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah which qualifies its graduates to further their learning of Qira'at at a much higher level.

"To develop knowledge and practice of memorising the Al-Quran, the country has also organised the Huffaz programme, which aims to produce Hafazan Al-Quran practitioners among the public.

"To date, 163 people have been recognised as Huffaz. They are those who have successfully memorised the entire Al-Quran and practitioners of Hafazan Al-Quran in the Hafazan category of 10 Juzuks, 20 Juzuks and 30 Juzuks.

"These people are examined through the Tasmi'e test every year before they are qualified to receive motivational allowance," His Majesty said.

The monarch also highlighted that the country has published Mushaf Brunei Darussalam in handwriting, followed with publication of Tafsir Mushaf Brunei Darussalam and its interpretation.

"Attention given to Al-Quran is sign of us carrying out our religious responsibility. At the same time we are also 'bertabarruk', or taking blessings from it. Because Al-Quran brings blessings from Allah the Almighty," His Majesty explained.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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