“I want to read the Quran too.”
That simple yet powerful wish is the driving force behind the International Union of Braille Quran Services (IBQS)—a global network dedicated to ensuring that visually impaired Muslims everywhere can access the Holy Quran in Braille.
A Global Effort for a Global Ummah
Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, the United States, Somalia, Togo, Yemen, and Pakistan are among the key members of IBQS.
Since its founding, the organization has delivered Braille Qurans to more than 30 countries, trained students through online and in-person Quran literacy programs, and produced Braille Quran reading guides in both English and French.
In addition to literacy initiatives, IBQS distributes white canes and Braille writing devices to the visually impaired and supports humanitarian efforts such as opening water wells and providing qurbani services—especially for Muslim schools serving the blind in Togo and Somalia.
Quote:
“As Muslims, we must ensure that every visually impaired person who says, ‘I want to read the Quran too,’ is given that opportunity.”
— Halis Kuralay, IBQS President
Discovering an Urgent Need
Earlier this year, IBQS organized a Braille Quran course for visually impaired boys in Uganda. What they discovered there was deeply concerning: most schools for the visually impaired across Africa are run by Christian missionary groups.
With limited alternatives, many Muslim children are enrolled in these institutions—where they are required to attend church, read the Bible, and in some cases, convert to Christianity.
“This showed us that the Ummah has unintentionally abandoned its visually impaired members,” said IBQS President Halis Kuralay. “We cannot leave them vulnerable—we must reach them with the light of the Quran.”
The Man Behind the Mission
Halis Kuralay, born blind, is a visionary leader and an inspiring figure. He currently serves as Deputy Provincial Director for Projects at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, and is also an author, community educator, and disability rights advocate.
Kuralay visited Canada from September 4–13 to meet Muslim organizations, connect with the visually impaired community, and raise awareness of IBQS’s mission.
He was quick to clarify one point:
“I’m not here to collect donations,” he told Al-Ameen Post. “Our mission is to create a network—linking Muslim organizations that serve those with physical or mental challenges and promoting Quran literacy among all who seek it.”
The founding president, Dr. Selahattin Aydin, a faculty member at the University of Kent, continues to support the organization’s global efforts and academic direction.
A Vision Born in Istanbul
The roots of IBQS trace back to February 2013, when organizations from 13 countries were invited to Istanbul by Dr. Selahattin Aydin to attend the 1st International Conference on the Braille Quran.
The aim was clear:
To improve Braille Quran literacy,
To unify the Quranic Braille code, and
To ensure that no blind Muslim anywhere in the world is left without access to the Quran.
Following that groundbreaking conference, delegates resolved to create a permanent umbrella organization that would unite local efforts under one international framework.
By August 2013, the groundwork was complete—and on April 24, 2014, the Turkish Council of Ministers officially approved the establishment of the International Union of Braille Quran Services (IBQS), headquartered in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Achievements and Ongoing Work
IBQS has since been leading efforts to develop internationally recognized standards for Braille Quran production and to establish an official unified Quranic Braille code table—an initiative poised to mark a first in Islamic publishing history.
The organization coordinates training, experience sharing, and information exchange among its members, and is steadily expanding its collection of accessible Islamic literature.
Its growing network now includes individuals and partner organizations in Egypt, England, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Türkiye.
For a full list of members and projects, visit:
https://braillequran.org/
IBQS at a Glance
Founded: 2014, Istanbul, Türkiye
Member Countries: 13+
Braille Qurans Distributed: 30 countries and counting
Key Initiatives:
Braille Quran Literacy Training
Accessible Reading Guides (English & French)
Distribution of Braille Tools & Canes
Water Wells & Qurbani Support for Blind Muslim Schools
President: Halis Kuralay
Founding President: Dr. Selahattin Aydin
Website: www.braillequran.org
A Call to the Ummah
IBQS stands as a powerful example of inclusion, faith, and perseverance. An organization run by the visually impaired, for the visually impaired, it continues to illuminate lives through the message of the Quran.
While IBQS is not primarily a fundraising organization, its impact depends on the collective support of the global Muslim community.
Those wishing to contribute to this noble mission can visit:
Donate to IBQS – International Union of Braille Quran Services
Quote:
“We are not just printing Braille Qurans—we are restoring dignity, faith, and belonging to those who cannot see but yearn to read the words of Allah.”