KOTA KINABALU: The first-ever translation of the Al-Quran into the Dusun language was launched yesterday by Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Sabah First Info reported.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Dusun-speaking Muslim community in Malaysia and worldwide.
The translation project, initiated in 2019 and completed in 2022, was spearheaded by the Organisation of Kadazan Dusun Murut Muslim Malaysia (KDMRS).
KDMRS Chairman Nicholas Sylvester highlighted the meticulous four-year effort involving language experts proficient in both ethnic and Arabic languages to accurately translate the Quranic verses.
The translation team, led by Dr Joseph Yusof Gimbad and his colleagues Naim Majin, Sulaimin Musinin, and Esibi Lakui, who are native Dusun speakers, will continue their work with the translation of Tafsir Al Quran Ibnu Kathir and other ethnic languages including Kadazan, Murut, Rungus, and Sungai.
The launch event, graced by Tun Juhar's wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni, also celebrated the ongoing efforts to translate Islamic texts into native ethnic languages.
Sylvester emphasised the importance of understanding the Quran's teachings in one's mother tongue to fully grasp its essence and guidance.
With the first print run of 10,000 copies, including 1,000 allocated for Peninsular Malaysia, the Dusun translation of the Al-Quran is set to be distributed among the Dusun community and various strategic partners of KDMRS Muslim, encompassing government departments, agencies, and NGOs throughout Sabah and the entire country.