His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday received a Quran of 'Mushaf Penyurihan Belia' done by youths through a tracing method locally known as 'Penyurihan' in conjunction with the 65th birthday anniversary of the monarch.

The ceremony took place at the Istana Nurul Iman. Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

In an interview with the Bulletin, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah said it was written by youths in 65 days.

The youths come from various backgrounds such as government agencies like Islamic Dakwah Centre, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Language and Literature Bureau, Mahad Islam, Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah, religious teachers and others.

"Today's event was a climax of 65 days of work including young women. It shows the love youths have towards the caring monarch. As we know, youths are the future leaders," the minister said.

Pehin Hazair added that it was challenge for them to carry out the task as it was not easy. But with strong determination, they were able to complete it, especially in upholding the purity and perfection of the holy book.

"Procedures had to be followed, like always performing ablutions before writing it, reciting a doa and performing the highly recommended Hajat prayers. Initiated and produced by Bruneian youths, the Mushaf is the first of its kind," he said.

Meanwhile, according to Pg Kamarulzaman bin Pg Hj Tajuddin, a designer at Language and Literature Bureau and a well-known local artist, he designed the front and back of the Mushaf as well as its spine.

"It was indeed a challenging task which was carried out at the Sarmayuda Hall of the bureau. The mission seemed to be impossible at the beginning. But with the confidence we built up, we managed to do it. Two 'Muallaf' or Muslim converts were also involved and the tracing also involved five women. The youngest 'Penyurih' is 13 years old," Pg Kamarul said.

Eighty per cent of the Mushaf portrays a traditional design called 'Daun Lukut' and 'Rawai'. - Borneo Bulletin (15th July 2011)