By Manzar Imam,
Bhopal: Intellectual attack is the biggest challenge to Muslims today. Madrasas and makatib are means to the survival of the world and teaching of small children is the most difficult task. These and other such dissenting views were expressed by ulama, scholars and media persons at the first annual meeting of Madrasa Tanweerul Quran here at Shaheen Colony on 7 February.
Run and managed by Banaat Education Society, Madrasa Tanweerul Quran was set up on 22 November 2008 with the aim of educating Muslim girls. Within a span of 14 months, the madrasa at present has around 80 students and the number is fast growing.
Speaking on this occasion the City’s head Mufti, Qari Syed Muhammad Fazil Qasmi said while referring to a hadith that madrasas and makatib were means to the survival of the world because it is mentioned in a hadith that doomsday (Qayamat) will not occur till the time people say Allah Allah and that madrasas and makatib were places where Allah’s and His messenger’s name and Quran and Hadith are taught day in and day out.
In his presidential address city qazi, Qazi Abdullatif Qasmi emphasized the need for part-time arrangement of religious education for school going Muslim children. He said when children are taught basics of Islam at a tender age, it leaves a lasting impression on their mind and there is less chance of their getting away from the right path no matter which school or college they went.
The qazi commended the sincerity of teachers of madrasas who work hard and help children pronounce words correctly and at the same time teach them daily life etiquettes. These teachers thank Allah for the remuneration they get in exchange for their 24+7 hours service whereas people working in big offices get fat salaries but do not bother to thank their Lord, he added.
Qazi sahib appreciated the efforts of Mufti Jawed Anwar Mazahiri and Zahida Khanam, principal and vice-principal respectively of Madrasa Tanweerul Quran for setting up the madrasa in a Muslim colony where mostly poor Muslims reside.
The city qazi gave away prizes to students for outstanding performance in their respective subjects. Prizes and awards encourage talent and bring out the best in students, Qazi Sahab said. Some students, mostly girls, recited verses from the holy Quran, read poems, delivered short speeches and read ahadith along with giving their Urdu translation.
Mufti Jawed Anwar presented a brief note on the conditions, birth and background and, working of the madrasa. Delhi-based journalist and guest Manzar Imam coordinated the whole programme that was attended by Maulana Mohammad Ahmad, Mufti Ziaullah Qasmi, principal and Shaikhul Hadith of Jamia Islamia Tarjuma Wali Masjid, Mufti Nizamuddin Qasmi, Imam and khatib of Masjid Koh-e-Fiza, Aziz Bari (additional photographer, Dainik Bhaskar) besides guests from Delhi and Mumbai.
The two and half hour-long programme that started with the recitation of the Quran by Aisha ended with prayers for communal harmony, general health and wellbeing of people and world peace.
(A Delhi-based journalist Manzar Imam can be reached at [email protected])