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His Royal Highness, in his sabda, asserted that Islam is a perfect religion that is synonymous with
empowering knowledge as a foundation of development of individuals. The utterance or kalimah
'iqra' or 'read' as the first command to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. is a clear command for the
perpetuity of reading practices.
SABDA:
“A knowledgeable Muslim is promised with blessings in this world and after, besides a scholar's
noble status being raised to a higher level as mentioned in the Surah Al-Mujadalah, Verse 11, and
interpreted as "Allah raises the levels of the religiously faithful among the ummah, and those who
are provided with religious knowledge; Allah is All-Knowing of everything one does." Such is the
lesson for those who like reading and love knowledge. The reading habit is also a source of
generating various benefits in the daily life, such as thinking skill, shaping a creative mind, strength
and personality as well as an active mentality. In fact, reading culture is a fundamental pillar in the
life-long learning process, intellectual growth and a nation's progress. A civilised and successful
nation comprises a community that empowers the reading culture. Through it, the community can
obtain and benefit from various branches of knowledge which makes people more creative,
innovative and always ready to remain competitive in a knowledge-based economic climate. Hence, I
hope all stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, will be able to enhance and empower the reading culture. One
of the ways is through the teaching and learning system at educational institutions for primary and
higher studies, apart from providing a supporting infrastructure to encourage the reading culture
and life-long learning for every level of the community. From the informal perspective, the role of
parents is very important. Parents are the role models and agents of change who can set the best
example to their children in cultivating the love of reading culture, besides filling quality time with
the family.”
His Royal Highness said to generate further reading and knowledgeable society; it is desirable for the
effort and attention devoted to the younger generation because they are the heirs of the nation.
Effort to cultivate the habit of reading to younger generation, His Royal Highness said is not a simple
matter during the times of this borderless world.
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Wadah Perpustakaan Bil.4 April 2013
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