The image of Islam has been tarnished by actions taken by certain quarters with wrong perception of jihad, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said in fact, reports on the alleged involvement of Malaysians in the so-called IS militant group had also given negative impact to the country's image.

"As such, we (Muslims) should be responsible to clean up the wrong perception and portray the true image of Islam as brought to us by Prophet Muhammad," he said when opening the 58th National Quran Recital Assembly here last night.

Apart from the wrong perception of jihad bandied about by the IS militants, the deputy prime minister also underlined three other significant challenges faced by Islam and Muslims today, namely the challenge of globalisation, the spread of deviant sects and the threats of pluralism and liberalism.

However, in tackling those challenges, he said Muslims need to use their wisdoms in order to avoid racial conflict that could destabilise the country's economy, political environment and inter-racial relations.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Malaysian Islamic Development Department director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha, Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Albakri and Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department director Paimuzi Yahya.

The six-day Quran Recital Assembly, which began yesterday, sees the participation of 28 Quran reciters, comprising 14 Qari and 14 Qariah from each states.

The winning Qari and Qariah will each receive cash prize of RM30,000, a Proton Preve car, a trophy and a Haj pilgrimage package, while the first runner-will receive cash prize of RM20,000, and second runner-up, RM15,000.

The winners of the national titles will also represent Malaysia to the International Quran Recital Assembly to be held at the Putra World Trade Centre from June 9 to 14.