Efforts to Elevate Al-Quran Studyamong the Visually Impaired Group in Malaysia: Challenges and Proposals

Abstract

Reciting and familiarization with al-Qur’an is very much urged on the Muslim ummah, whether they are typical or disbled people. Based on innovative research and current technological advances, it is now possible to provide this opportunity and facilities of education, including in al-Quran studies, to visually impaired people. There are some previous research and innovations, including the invention of a portable electronic panel known as Electronic Braille (e-Braille) al-Quran Teaching Aid (N.A.Abdul Khoni 2010), research on vibration of al-Quran in Braille code (Abdallah M.Abualkhishik (2010) and research through Google Speech API (Samir, 2013). This research proves that al-Quran studies among the visually impaired are increasingly gaining the attention of many parties, especially among the academicians. In Malaysia the Special Education program implemented for the visually impaired is part of the National Education Policy. However, this program poses certain challenges for secondary schools in Malaysia, including the issues of infrastructural needs in support of teaching and learning of Islamic Education and the lack of teaching aids from extensive sources. The course module materials for al-Quran teaching in Braille are too scanty and textbooks for Islamic Education are not in Braille. A paradigm shift is required to overcome the challenges, particularly involving social engagements of smart partnerships among the authorities. Malaysia should emulate the excellent examples of other Muslim countries in dealing with issues involving the visually impaired, such as Jordan which was awarded the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award for her success in placing issues of the disabled at the top of the national agenda. The “investment in humanity” policy which is an effort to compete with resource-rich neighbouring countries explains how Jordan is able to solve the needs of her disabled in comparison to her neighbours (Muslim World Issue, 2006). Meanwhile Iran has succeeded in publishing and distributing copies of Quran in Braille to other countries through the application of new technology. This Braille Quran is recognized as the best during the Braille Quran International Seminar in Turkey. Hence the purpose of this article is to discuss several important solutions to elevate al-Quran studies among the visually impaired in Malaysia.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s5p419