By AbdulMumin AbdulQadir
Muslim scholars and administrators have laid great emphasis on the need for parents/guardians to endear their children/wards to the reading, internalization and practical application of the messages of the Qur’an in their day-to-day life.
The scholars who spoke at the Walimatu-l-Qur’an of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital/College of Medicine University of Lagos (LUTH/CMUL) Muslim Community Madrasah, also called on the National Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) not to relent in its effort in improving the quality of Arabic education in Nigerian schools to meet the standards set by the Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).
The 9th edition of the Qur’anic graduation ceremony held on Sunday at the College Central Mosque was chaired by Engr. Naasir Giwa.
Guest lecturer, Barr. Tirmizi Adisa Dairo said the Noble Qur’an, a divine book from Allah, supercedes every other book, adding that reading it regularly is more beneficial, especially to every household, in this world and the hereafter.
According to him, “Let’s enjoin our children to endear themselves to the reading of the Qur’an because it is beneficial in both worlds. It is what will liberate one on the day of recompense. The Qur’an intercedes on behalf of its readers in the grave during questioning by Munkar and Nakir.
“Once they get home, let’s ensure they read the Qur’an very often as it ushers angels into households, facilitates the acceptance of prayers and allows the reader more room to the bounties of Allah.”
He added that the feat attained by the graduands is an enviable one.
NAHCON Chair Urges NATAIS To Improve Quality Of Arabic education
Rejoicing with the Muslim community and the graduands, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and erudite Islamic scholar, Dr. Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan, emphasized the importance of Arabic knowledge in the lives of Muslims.
Alhaji Hassan, who acknowledged the role of the National Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) in improving the quality of Arabic education in schools, urged the association to do more.
“It is important for Arabic education to be recognized in the Nigerian educational sector and I think the National Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) has started the process through what they call National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), an accredited government examination body that offers National exams in the SAISSCE, Tahfeez and Science Curriculum.
“It just means we have to do more because NBAIS now is also regulating exams, just as WAEC organises WASSCE, but we need to continue to do more, particularly in Southern Nigeria.”
He advised the graduands to make their teachers role models as they stand to learn so much from them in terms of Islamic and secular education, as well as life experiences.
Be guided by Messages of Holy Qur’an – Engr Giwa
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of the occasion, Engr. Giwa revealed that he defied other commitments for the event due to the great rewards and significance of being in the gathering where the Noble Qur’an is being recited.
He said that the graduands are exceptionally blessed to have gotten the privilege they had and urged them to hold onto it tightly.
“The Qur’an is the manual of life. If our leaders knew the Qur’an, there won’t be injustice, corruption and unfairness like we have today. Leaders will be afraid to consume or divert what is not rightfully theirs because they know they’ll give account on the day of recompense. Both the leader and the led will play their respective roles religiously and that will make the nation a better place for everyone.”
He made a generous donation and called on philanthropists and well-to-do Muslims to aid the cause of the Madrasah and Mosque in CMUL while commended the Chairman, of the College Muslim Community, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abiola, for the great work at the Madrasah.
No Exemption, Excuses In Learning Qur’an – Alhaja Abbas
The mother of the day, Alhaja Muhibat Abbas while speaking at the event said neither age nor other excuses are tenable for any individual or group not to learn about the Qur’an and Islam in its entirety.
She related personal experiences and commitment to motivate people around her.
She said: “As a septuagenarian that I am, I have set a goal for myself to memorize the entire Qur’an in three years”
My school exams clashed with Madrasah exams, but Alhamdulillah – Orehin
One of the graduands, Faaizah Orehin told Muslim News how her school exams clashed with the ones at the Madrasah.
“There were times when my school exams clashed with Madrasah exams. I was able to cope because my parents employed a private tutor for me,” the young lady told our correspondent.
Our Madrasah practices, enforces discipline – Ajimotokan
Aisha Ajimotokan, one of the graduands who had her walimah alongside her brother, Mubarak, made it known to Muslim News that she joined the Madrasah as a very young child about a decade ago. She expressed excitement about her graduation and appreciated her parents for their efforts.
She said: “I like the Madrasah. The teachers teach us very well and when one behaves badly, they discipline you.”
It has not been easy, but my parents have been my motivation – Opeifa
One of the male graduands, Abdur-Rahman Opeifa said the success didn’t come on a silver platter. He appreciated his parents for being his motivation all through the course.
“My parents and teachers are my motivation because it has not been easy.”
He disclosed an interest to further his studies in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
