A comprehensive Islamic religious education should be instilled at the earliest stage among the young generation to ensure they have a solid foundation to meet future challenges.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak said this included teaching them the proper way to read the Quran and providing them with basic Islamic religious knowledge to enhance their understanding of Islam.

He said it was very important for every Muslim to practice what had been outlined in the shariah (Islamic law) so that believers of other religions would respect Islam and the Muslim community as well.

“The fundamental part and obligatory in religion (Islam) should be learned as it is important to provide guidance amidst the current challenges faced.

“If the fundamentals (Islam) are not strong in the first place, of course we will experience a lot of problems later,” he said when officially opening the opening of the Al-Baghdadi Quranic Learning Centre, Kota Belud branch today.

The Usukan assemblyperson also welcomed the establishment of the 36th branch of the learning centre in Sabah and described it as a good platform to produce more proficient Quran reciters among the young generation in the district.

The Al-Baghdadi Quranic Learning Centre is recognised by The Malaysia Book Of Records as the largest Qur’anic-learning centre with 1,168 branches nationwide and several branches abroad including in Indonesia, Brunei and New Zealand.

- Bernama