A question to ponder as we stand before this impressive structure: What does it take to produce millions of copies of the Quran each year? We are at the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex. It is not just a printing press. It is a dedicated institution serving the Holy Quran.
King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz founded this complex. It opened in 1405AH. That is an Islamic calendar date. The complex specializes in printing the Quran. It also records Quran recitations. It conducts research in Quranic studies too. The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex uses advanced technologies. These technologies aid electronic publishing and digital applications.
This complex is the largest of its kind in the world. It spans 250,000 square meters. That is a vast area dedicated to serving the Word of Allah. Over 1,100 people work here. They include scholars and academics. There are also Quran reciters.
The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex includes many departments. There is a Scholarly Council. A committee reviews the Mushaf. There is also a Translations Center. A Digital Research Center exists here too. The Minister of Islamic Affairs oversees everything.
The complex produces 18 million copies annually. These are various publications related to the Quran. Over 320 million copies have been produced since its founding. This includes recordings and books. Translations of the Quran’s meanings are available in 78 languages. The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex publishes the Journal of Quranic Research and Studies. It also maintains 13 Holy Quran websites.
Since its establishment, the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex distributes its publications worldwide. These publications serve the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. They also cater to Muslims outside Saudi Arabia. The complex studies the Holy Quran and related sciences. It publishes these studies online too.
In 2012, the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex began translating the Quran into sign language. It completed Surah al-Fatihah and Juz Amma. It was the first in the world to do so. The complex also issues the Mus-haf al-Madinah al-Nabawiya for the Blind.
Prior to printing, the Quran is transcribed by hand. Calligrapher Uthman Taha dedicated thirty years to this work. He has written the Quran twelve times. A scholarly committee reviews these manuscripts. They ensure adherence to established standards. This covers reading, calligraphy, and formatting. The review continues until printing approval.
The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex also houses a center for Quranic studies. This center monitors Orientalist research. It studies classification trends. It produces specialized publications. The center creates reference materials as well.
In 1995, the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex received the Madinah Award. This was for its urban design. Massive warehouses were added in 2019. These warehouses can accommodate millions of copies.
In 2021, the complex created digital versions of the Quran. These versions contain various recitations. A digital platform was developed for the Quran and its sciences. The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex continues to evolve. It adapts to modern technology to better serve its mission.
The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex stands as a beacon. It spreads the teachings of the Quran. It preserves its accuracy for generations to come. Remember the dedication and innovation within these walls. It ensures that the word of Allah reaches all corners of the earth.