Bandung, August 24, 2024 – A solemn atmosphere enveloped the Pusdai Mosque in Bandung on Saturday morning, as more than 4,000 worshippers gathered to participate in the Indonesia Quran Hour (IQH). This event not only reads the Quran, but also a means of getting closer to the Quran through understanding and practice. The theme this year was “Surat Al-Jumuah: Reflections on Gratitude for Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day ,” which unites the spirit of nationalism and religiousness.

The Main Director of Quran Cordoba, Mr. Usman El-Qurtubi, who is also the organizer of the IQH event, gave a speech and explained the importance of this IQH movement. "Indonesia Quran Hours is a campaign to love reading the Koran by understanding and practicing its contents," said Usman.

He emphasized that IQH's primary goal is to invite Muslims in Indonesia to draw closer to the Quran on a massive scale through the "Read, Understand, and Practice" . "The Quran elevates the dignity of the individual, family, community, and nation through thought, heart, and daily practice," Usman explained.

READ ALSO: Indonesian Vice President attends Indonesia Quran Hours 2024 at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta

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IQH itself was inspired by the global movement World Quran Hour (WQH) which was first held in Malaysia in 2015 and has been implemented in 300 locations in 76 countries every year.

Continuing the event, several Islamic scholars and figures delivered profound and meaningful sermons. KH Athian Ali emphasized the importance of always praising and glorifying Allah SWT in every step of life. Meanwhile, Ustaz Erick Yusuf provided profound inspiration, inviting the congregation to reflect on the wise message of love from Surah Al-Jumuah.

In his sermon, KH Miftah Farid stated that the Quran is the greatest miracle without equal. He encouraged all congregants to continually study the Quran to resolve every problem in life. "The Quran is the original revelation of Allah; no one can falsify it," he emphasized, reminding the congregation of the Quran's authenticity and miracle.

No less interesting, Ustaz Ucu Najmudin gave a lecture about the importance of Al-Qur'an education, especially in the family environment. He emphasized that Indonesia is a country rich in Islamic scholars and scholarship, so people should not hesitate to learn and study the Koran from them.

The event culminated with a national sermon delivered by KH. Abdul Aziz Abdul Rauf, Lc, Al-Hafiz. He emphasized that the Quran is the solution to all of life's problems, including those of the nation and state. He believed that the theme inspired by Surah Al-Jumuah was highly relevant to the spirit of independence currently being celebrated by the Indonesian people.

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READ ALSO: The Influence of the Koran in the Formation of Islamic Thought and Civilization

This event began with the recitation of holy verses from the Koran from Surah Al-Jumuah, guided by Ustaz Ahmad, followed by the reading of Surah Al-Baqarah verses 126-129 by Ustaz Ardyan, and closed with the last three suras by Ustaz Abu Rabbani. The beautiful voices of the qori filled every corner of the mosque, bringing calm to all those present.

Following a series of sermons and the Khataman (final recitation), the event continued with a prayer for the completion of the Qur'an, led by Ustaz Abdul Aziz Abdul Rauf. The entire congregation was immersed in solemn prayer, asking for blessings and safety for the Indonesian nation.

The prayer for the nation read by KH Miftah Farid was the perfect closing, accompanying feelings of gratitude for the independence that had been achieved.

IQH Committee Chair, Restu Kurniawan, stated that the event was initiated as a form of gratitude for Indonesia's 79th anniversary of independence. "This event was actually initiated as a way to celebrate Indonesia's independence. Hopefully, other mosques and communities will join in this communal Koran reading activity," he said hopefully.

Furthermore, IQH 2024 also featured various supporting activities. Booths from various partners, such as Bursa Sajadah, Ina Cookies, Mazq Tour, Kahf Parfum, Wardah, and others, enlivened the event. BAZNAS also opened a booth to facilitate pilgrims wishing to give alms or donate copies of the Quran. A health checkup booth was also available to serve those in need.

The attendees appeared very enthusiastic about the entire event. "I hope this event can be held annually," said one impressed participant.

The event concluded with a group photo at a designated spot with the tagline "A Nation of Virtue and Compassion ." Before the midday call to prayer (Dhuhr) sounded, Kang Nugie and Kang Purwa, the MCs, closed the event with a prayer and hope that IQH would continue to be a means of bringing people closer to the Quran and an inspiration for the good of this diverse nation.

Thus Indonesia Quran Hours 2024 passed, leaving a deep spiritual imprint in the hearts of the congregation, and reaffirming the commitment to make the Koran a guide for life in the life of the nation and state.

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READ ALSO: Exploring Spiritual Wisdom in the Guidance of the Quran

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Hopefully this spirit will continue to burn, uniting Muslims throughout Indonesia under the protection of the Koran. Provides inspiration for love and life with the Koran.

By Heri Mahbub

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