Kota Kinabalu: The Mahrajan Persuratan Islam Nusantara Sabah Malaysia book, which documents various Islamic arts-oriented activities, has been published and launched.
Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) Director Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani said the book serves as a physical record of all activities held during the annual Mahrajan Persuratan dan Kesenian Islam Nusantara Sabah Malaysia event.
“The Mahrajan Persuratan dan Kesenian Islam Nusantara Sabah Malaysia continues to receive a warm reception with various Islamic arts-oriented activities attracting both local and international interest.
“The main activities include the Nadwah Persuratan Islam, Selawat and Beduk competition, Khat Nusantara and Borneo competition, Leadership Seminar and the Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam.
“One of the greatest achievements of this year’s Mahrajan was the successful organisation of the Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam for the first time in Membakut. This forum, a popular segment on TV1, featured renowned preachers discussing contemporary Islamic issues.
“This success was made possible with the strong support of the Broadcasting Media Division of Jakim Putrajaya, which also contributed to the success of the forum,” he said during the Mutiara Kasih Ramadan and Sinar Tinta Mahrajan programme on Monday.
The event was graced by the presence of the Head of State’s wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin and the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag.
According to Jumain, the Khat Nusantara Competition, which holds Asean-level prestige, successfully attracted calligraphy artists from across Southeast Asia, particularly from Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.
“The World Khat Village Workshop also gathered Islamic calligraphy experts from various countries, including Turkey and Thailand, as part of efforts to strengthen the art of khat in this region.
“With over a decade of continuous efforts, the Mahrajan Persuratan dan Kesenian Islam Nusantara Sabah Malaysia remains committed to preserving Islamic artistic heritage in the State.
“This initiative aims to ensure that Islamic art traditions do not fade amid modernisation and globalisation but continue to thrive as a valuable medium of dakwah and artistic expression,” he said.
During the event, State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif also presented the Mahrajan Secretariat Appointment Warrant to 30 individuals and a Special Award to Mohamad Sidik Haji Awang in recognition of his contributions to Islamic arts in Sabah.
