Rokiah Mahmud
In line with its leading role as an Islamic university in Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) regards Al-Quran as its main source of reference.
Therefore, it is fitting for UNISSA to have its own Mushaf to reflect Islamic teachings while seeking blessings from Allah the Almighty.
The writing of Mushaf UNISSA was officially launched in October 24, 2011 at the first Mahrajan Hafl Al-Takharuj ceremony, during which His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam wrote Basmalah on the Ummul Kitab of the Mushaf.
The handwritten Mushaf was completed after several years, fully written and designed by locals, and has been used as the head of procession at every Hafl Al-Takharruj (convocation ceremony) of the university.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Head of the Mushaf Publication Unit and Assistant Lecturer at UNISSA Muhammad Riziman bin Haji Usin said that since Mushaf UNISSA started using it as the head of procession at every convocation ceremony, it has inspired the team to produce the Mushaf UNISSA in smaller sizes..
He said UNISSA carried out a waqaf (endowment) project for those who want to contribute jariah (alms) in the form of Mushaf UNISSA.
He noted that the publication of the small-sized Mushaf UNISSA is aimed at promoting a culture of Al-Quran reading which is in line with His Majesty’s vision of a Zikir Nation.
Among the main features of the Mushaf, Muhammad Rizman said, are the six different jiddar highlighting local flora combined with design and construction of mosques and designs in the country.
During the writing process, the Mushaf also prioritised reader-friendly writing so that it would be easy for readers to recite and learn. And it is sold with no maximum limit on the number of copies to be endowed.
On the waqaf project, he said it takes advantage of the distribution of Mushaf UNISSA nationwide while providing a platform for the public to be part of the project.
He said, “The project is open to the public that wishes to make donations at learning institutions, mosques, surau, religious halls, and foreign institutions that have been identified by UNISSA.
“UNISSA will coordinate the distribution of waqaf, while delivery fee has been included in the Mushaf price.
“Those who want to make contribution need to fill in a Waqaf Mushaf UNISSA form and submit it to the Waqaf Mushaf UNISSA Secretariat by making payment either online or by visiting the UNISSA campus.”
The waqaf project has been carried out since February 16 and it has thus far been well-received by the public. It is hoped that more will participate in the waqaf project. The Mushaf UNISSA can be purchased at the UNISSA bookshop or at Mushaf Publication Unit at Mazhab Syafi’i Research Centre building. Information is available on the UNISSA’s website.
