Malaysia #QuranHour: Building a prosperous Malaysia starts with the soul

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians are urged to look beyond physical and economic progress and focus on building stronger character, integrity and compassion as the nation approaches its 69th National Day.

The call was made during Malaysia #QuranHour 2026, themed “Rising towards a prosperous Malaysia", which brought Malaysians together for an hour of Quran recitation, understanding and reflection from noon to 1pm today.

Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation (WUIF) founder Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub said national development could not depend solely on physical and economic advancement without strengthening the character of its people.

“Malaysia needs people who embody compassion, integrity, trustworthiness and love,” he said.

Hussamuddin said the Quran should not merely be read but understood and practised so its values could shape better families, harmonious communities and a blessed nation.

“Most importantly, whatever we do, we should do it for Allah. When every responsibility and effort is carried out for Allah, we are not merely pursuing success for ourselves, but seeking to bring goodness to others and earn His pleasure,” he said.

He said Malaysia #QuranHour also encouraged Malaysians to put aside their differences and spend an hour united under the guidance of the Quran, before beginning change with themselves, their families, communities and the country.

WUIF chief executive officer Marhaini Yusoff said the initiative posed an important question to Malaysians as the country approached 69 years of independence.

"After 69 years of independence, are our souls truly free?”

She said true independence was not merely about being free from physical colonisation, but also about developing people with inner strength, values, integrity and concern for society.

“Malaysia #QuranHour is a people's movement for the people. From one hour with the Quran, we begin the journey of building ourselves, strengthening our families and communities, and together building a more prosperous Malaysia,” she said.

Meanwhile, former Johor Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Nooh Gadut, who delivered the “Pesan Ulama untuk Negara” message, stressed the importance of building leaders and citizens based on the Quranic values of siddiq, amanah, tabligh and fatanah.

He also called for stronger unity, greater Quranic reflection, self-examination and purification of the soul, with change beginning from the individual to build a nation founded on truth, justice and compassion.

Malaysia #QuranHour 2026 was organised by WUIF in collaboration with the National Day and Malaysia Day Celebration Committee and Communications Ministry, with Masjid Al-Sultan Abdullah, Presint Merdeka 118 serving as the prime location.

The programme draws inspiration from Surah Al-Muzzammil, Surah Al-Balad and Surah Al-Baqarah, highlighting the importance of strengthening one's relationship with Allah SWT before extending that strength through acts of care and support for others.

Her Majesty Raja Zarith, Queen of Malaysia, graced the event earlier alongside Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

The initiative also involved schools, universities, mosques, surau, workplaces and communities nationwide, reinforcing its message that national prosperity begins with strengthening individuals and extending compassion to others.