The Philosophy of the MQK 2025 Logo, a Key Symbol of Knowledge, Civilization, and Peace
Jakarta (Ministry of Religion) — The inaugural edition of the International Musabaqah Qira’atil Kutub (MQK) featured a key-shaped logo (miftah). This logo not only serves as a visual identity but also represents the Islamic boarding school’s grand vision of addressing the challenges of the times through the scientific heritage of traditional texts.
The MQK 2025 logo reflects the four key values that form the core message of the event: knowledge, civilization, peace, and environmental sustainability. These keys symbolize the opening of horizons, emphasizing the role of the yellow book as a means of understanding Islam in depth, contextually, and relevant to contemporary issues.
Symbolic Meaning of the Logo
The logo is designed in the form of MQK calligraphy, resembling the silhouette of a key. Each stroke represents the Key of Knowledge, signifying openness to the classical knowledge of Islamic boarding schools; the Key of Civilization, affirming that knowledge is a pillar of the awakening of the people; the Key of Peace, which stems from the traditions of dialogue, tolerance, and wisdom; and the Key of Environmental Sustainability, which stems from Islamic teachings about the mandate to care for the earth.
At the center of the logo is an open book within a circle, symbolizing the traditional texts that are the spirit of MQK. This book not only represents a center of knowledge but also embodies the values of inclusivity and global dialogue. The surrounding circle represents the openness of knowledge to all people across nations and generations.
The logo also features two dots on the letter Qaf, allowing for in-depth interpretation. These two dots are interpreted as the duality of this world and the afterlife, reflecting the awareness that knowledge does not stop at worldly matters; a symbol of balance, as an invitation to maintain harmony between reason and spirituality, and the relationship between humans and nature; and an icon of peace and sustainability, two key pillars of the MQK 2025 theme.
The dominant dark brown and light brown colors in the logo were not chosen by chance. Dark brown represents the strong roots of knowledge, a symbol of the Islamic boarding school’s steadfastness in upholding traditional and spiritual values. Light brown signifies enlightenment, warmth, and a passion for sharing knowledge peacefully and inclusively.
With the grand theme “From Islamic Boarding Schools to the World: Caring for the Environment and Spreading Peace with the Book of Turats”, the MQK 2025 logo is a sign that Islamic boarding schools are not only focused on locality, but also have a global civilization mission.
“This logo is not merely a visual representation, but a reflection of the Islamic boarding school’s spirit of building a peaceful, sustainable future rooted in authentic Islamic knowledge,” said the Chair of the 2025 MQK Committee in a statement.
Through the 8th National MQK and the 1st Southeast Asia MQK, Indonesia affirmed its commitment as a center of Islamic moderation and guardian of the heritage of the yellow books, as well as a global partner in building a civilized future.
The logo can be downloaded here .
