By Muddassir Ahmad Qasmi
Mumbai: A grand function of 17th convocation of Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Centre (MMERC) was held in its campus at Mumbai and it was presided over by the grand Mufti of Maharashtra, Mufti Azizur Rahman Fatehpuri.
In the function all the Madrasa graduates who completed their two-year ‘Diploma in English Language and Literature’ (DELL) course in MMERC, Mumbai were conferred Diploma certificates by the dignitaries and intellectuals of the city and in addition to it some of the graduates were awarded with precious prizes for their outstanding performances in academic as well as extracurricular activities.
Speeches delivered by some of the passing out graduates on ‘Importance of Education in Islam and Our Responsibility’ and ‘How to Make the New Generation a Good Preacher of Islam’ were highly appreciated by audience.
The chief guest of the program Afroz Shah, a well-known advocate of Bombay High Court and the ‘Champion of the Earth’ award winner from Environment Protection of UNO, presenting heartfelt congratulation to MMERC graduates said, “Today community, country and world need such ulama whose characters and ethics are as white as white-dress and by the grace of Allah Almighty you are adorned with such qualities therefore you should enter in the practical field without any hesitation and fear. Moreover, you do not need to come under any kind of pressure because you have ample knowledge of the glorious Qur’an and Hadith that have the true power to lead and guide the world.”
Maulana Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi, the director of MMERC and editor of Eastern Crescent, in his farewell speech addressing the graduates said that you will have to be always mindful about three points: (1) this institution is established by Muhsin-e Millat Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Al-Qasmi and his sincere colleagues, particularly, to serve Islam therefore, you have to be extra cautious in this regard as service of Deen is not limited to Masjid and Madrasa rather it has numerous branches of services that must be taken care by you enlightened people. (2) You are a young blood that is a great strength but you must remember only emotion is not enough in practical fields, therefore, you need to do your work with wisdom and good plan and for that you will have to take guidance from your experienced elders. (3) Though you have gained certificate today for discharging your duties but for achieving honor in the eyes of public and acceptance in the eyes of Allah (swt), you will have to prove yourself practically.
Maulana Muddassir Ahmad Qasmi, the National Coordinator of DELL course and Assist. Editor of Eastern Crescent, informing the audience said, “This year, 23 meritorious madrasa graduates have completed their Diploma Course and out of them twenty are given in-campus placements by MMERC in different institutions or organizations for teaching and preaching purposes and remaining three will continue their education in prestigious universities of India and abroad. He further said, “Alhamdulillah, 95% of MMERC graduates are purely associated with different religious missions in India and in other 17 different countries of the world.”
The president of this gala function Mufti Azizur Rahman Fatehpuri addressing the pass out ulama said, “Sincerity is a must for any religious work, therefore, wherever you go, do your respective works with utmost sincerity.” Encouraging the graduates he further said, “You have added one more feather of modern education in your crown while you were already well-versed in religious education, now, you have double responsibilities on your shoulders. So do not become only a man of words but utilize your inner power too for getting desired goal and fulfilling the cherished dream of this institution. More importantly, keep in touch with public because evil powers always try to detach ulama from public for spreading averseness towards Deen.” The grand of Mufti of Maharashtra further added, “Remember that competent ulama should work as per the demands of time.”
The lecturers and officials of MMERC Professor Ahmad Kamal Khusro, Maulana Atiqur Rahman Qasmi, Maulana Aslam Javed Qasmi and Mufti Jaseemuddin Qasmi contributed their best to add on to the magnificent Convocation program and making it a great success.