JEDDAH – It was a unique experience for the audience to listen to the unusual and exquisite feelings shared by a number of prominent figures about their reading of the Holy Qur'an and reflections over the meanings and implications of the verses from the holy book. The speakers, at a recent seminar, were of the unanimous view that the proper reading of the Qur'an and its application in day to day life are the panacea for the myriad problems faced by the humanity in the contemporary world. "The Qur'an should be used as an effective weapon to disseminate Islam's core ideals of moderation and tolerance, as well as to combat terrorism and extremism, which are the enemies of both Islam and the humanity," they said. The seminar titled "The Qur'an I read" was organized by the Jeddah-based Malabar Art and Cultural Forum at Malabar Center here. Sheikh Malik Bin Hussein Al-Nuaimi, official at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, inaugurated the seminar. "It is high time to disseminate the true message of the holy book to guide the entire humanity to the righteous path and keep them stay away from evil. The Qur'an, which is a catalog for the mankind from the creator of the universe on how to lead a successful material and spiritual life, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (please be upon him), who was sent as a mercy to the humanity up to the last day of this world," he said. C.K. Muhammad Najeeb, president of the Saudi chapter of Thanima Cultural Forum, presided over the function. In his speech, Najeeb emphasized that Qur'an is not to be monopolized by any community but on the other hand it is a property of the entire humanity. "Water and air are indispensable for all living beings, including human beings in this world. Similar is the case with the Qur'an for the humanity to lead a righteous life and realize salvation," he said. According to Najeeb, the subject matter of the Qur'an is human beings and their life in this world and hereafter. "The message of Qur'an is peace and tolerance, and it is nothing to do with extremism and terrorism." Gopinath Nedungadi, president of Sameeksha Cultural Forum, said he saw Qur'an as the holy book, which is more akin to the nature of human beings and to the universe as well, comparing to holy books of other religions. The audience listened attentively when Nedungadi, a non-Muslim cultural figure, cited several examples from the holy book for its unique features that attracted him very much. Echoing a similar view, Shyam Govind, president of Pravasi Forum, said that the best way to restore peace in this world is to follow the principles advocated by the Holy Qur'an. He attributed the violence and conflict in the Mideast region to those who either misinterpreted the holy book or strayed away from its path. Govind said he accepts Qur'an as a guide for him in his life in many respects. Dr. Ismail Maritheri of King Abdulaziz University said that it is high time to have a proper and comprehensive reading of the Qur'an and put its teachings into practice in the proper manner. He also underscored the need for applying teachings of Qur'an in all spheres of life. Well-known blogger Basheer Vallikkunnu highlighted the relevance of proper reading of Qur'an at a time when extremists misusing the holy book for their devious and horrific acts. "The Qur'an should never be allowed to be misused or misinterpreted by these deviant and terrorist groups to serve their ulterior motives and malicious agendas," he said. Noted writer Abu Iringattiri described the influence of Qur'an in his writings. He also highlighted the paramount importance of Qur'an as a literary masterpiece of all time, in addition to its significance as a guide to the entire humanity. Abdul Shukoor Ali, president of the Jeddah North Zone chapter of Thanima Cultural Forum, underlined the literary value of Qur'an that can be read and easily comprehensible by all segments of society in every part of the world at all time. "We have to transform ourselves into the exemplary models of living Qur'an through closely adhering to its teachings throughout our life," he said. K.T.A. Muneer, president of the Jeddah chapter of Overseas Indian Cultural Congress, Abubacker Arimbra, general secretary of the Jeddah central committee of Kerala Muslim Culture Center, and V.K.A Rauf, chief patron of Navodaya Cultural Forum, also shared their experiences of reading the Qur'an. The function started with recitation of a few verses from Qur'an by Haneefa Baqawi in which Ebrahim Shamnad welcomed the gathering and Abdurahman Umari proposed a vote of thanks.
