KUALA LUMPUR, March 18- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on Muslims to appreciate the Nuzul al-Quran event as a starting point in building a life based on knowledge and piety.

Through a post on his official Facebook, Anwar reminded that the first revelation, Iqra', which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad SAW in Cave Hira' was not just a call to read but a call to develop a civilization based on knowledge, justice and kindness.

He also emphasized the importance of pondering the Quran with the eyes of the heart and seizing the opportunity for forgiveness from Allah SWT during the middle of Ramadan.

"I would like to take this opportunity to send a message to myself and all Muslims with a message of piety, continue to meditate on the Quran with the eyes of your heart, and seek forgiveness from Allah SWT in the middle of this Ramadan.

"May we be chosen by Allah SWT to meet Lailatul Qadr, the night of a thousand months," he said.

Along with the words of Allah SWT in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185 which affirms that the Quran was revealed as a guide for all mankind, the Prime Minister also reminded that only those who live Ramadan with faith and hope will experience the sweetness of piety.

"I extend Salam Nuzul Quran to all Malaysians wherever you are," he added.