Saudi Arabia’s distinguished Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Al Nabawi, Sheikh Salah Al Budair, has arrived in Kuala Lumpur to participate in the highly anticipated World Quran Symposium 2025. The event, organised by Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), commenced on August 7 and will run through August 10 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Sheikh Budair’s arrival signals the official opening of this global gathering, which brings together over 50 renowned Islamic scholars from more than 30 countries. The symposium aims to deepen Quranic scholarship, promote international unity among Muslim communities, and explore contemporary approaches to Islamic education.
Key topics set for discussion include advanced Quranic interpretation techniques, the digital preservation of rare and ancient Quranic manuscripts, and innovative strategies to engage Muslim youth in religious learning. A special exhibition features precious Quranic texts loaned from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, highlighting the cultural richness and historical significance of the Holy Book.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim inaugurated the symposium with a keynote address emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue and religious knowledge in fostering peace and understanding worldwide. In response to the event’s prominence, local authorities have enhanced security arrangements around the venue to ensure a safe and orderly environment.
Sheikh Budair, who last visited Malaysia in 2019 to great acclaim with an audience of 20,000 attendees, is scheduled to lead three key sessions focusing on Quranic linguistics. The symposium also hosts parallel workshops addressing modern challenges faced by Islamic educators, reflecting the evolving needs of Muslim societies.
The World Quran Symposium 2025 continues to attract significant interest from Southeast Asian nations, with Indonesia and Brunei among the countries sending sizeable delegations. JAKIM noted that all registration slots were filled within 48 hours, underscoring the high demand for such international Islamic scholarly engagements.
This symposium stands as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a hub for Islamic learning and fostering a united global Muslim community through shared devotion to the Quran.
