By Abdulkareem Tijani
The Former Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Dr. Abdullah Shuaib, has urged graduates of arabic and western education to view their academic accomplishments not as an end but as the beginning of a lifelong journey rooted in knowledge, faith, and service to humanity.
Dr. Shuaib, now Lead Consultant at AS and Associates, made the call on Sunday during the maiden hafla graduation ceremony of Mahdul Furqaan for Arabic and Islamic Studies, held in the Ilasamaja, Mushin area of Lagos.
Three students – Abdulmalik Sanni, Ahmad Mubashir, and Abdrahman Bukhari – received Idaadi certificates after completing three years of intensive learning in Arabic grammar, tajweed (rules of Qur’an recitation), and Islamic education.
Muslim News gathered that the Idaadi certificate is equivalent to junior secondary school education, enabling graduates to proceed to Thanawiyy (senior secondary school).
Congratulating the graduands, Dr. Shuaib cautioned them against complacency, stressing that their achievement should mark the start of continuous growth and responsibility.
“What you’ve achieved today is only the foundation. Do not become complacent. Remain steadfast, stay committed to continuous learning, and let your knowledge benefit your life, family, community, and the nation at large,” he said.
Drawing from Suratul Alaq (“Read in the name of your Lord who created…”) and Suratul Qalam (Qur’an 95), Dr. Shuaib emphasized Islam’s profound dedication to knowledge, symbolized by reading and the pen. He reminded the graduates of their duty as models of Islamic learning, calling on them to embody humility, sincerity, and purpose.
The respected Muslim scholar also praised the school’s management, teachers, and promoters for their remarkable progress within three years of establishment, urging continued support from stakeholders to strengthen the institution.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Dr. Salami Muhammed Opeolu, who chaired the occasion, outlined the institution’s key achievements since its inception in 2022.
“These include incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), registration with the National Board of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), and ongoing registration with Lagos State,” he noted.
Dr. Salami also highlighted successful programmes such as Qur’an Boot Camps, Data Analysis Boot Camp, Holiday Tahfiz classes, and entrepreneurship training designed to empower Muslim youths.
The BoT chairman further unveiled the establishment of four additional schools—Qur’an College (Kulliyyatul Qur’an), School of Science (Kulliyyatul Ulum), School of Arts and Humanities (Kulliyyatul Adab), and School of Commerce (Kulliyyatud Dirasat Tijariyyah)—as part of a 10-year strategic plan to transform the institute into a degree-awarding body.
Appealingfor community support, he disclosed plans for a N700 million school project comprising a purpose-built facility, a multipurpose hall, and a prayer centre to meet the growing demand for quality Arabic and Islamic education.
In an interview with Muslim News, the Director (Mudir) of the Madrasah, Sheikh Abduganiy AbdulHadi, urged Muslim parents to prioritize Arabic learning, describing it as the foundation of Qur’anic understanding and Islamic rites.
“Arabic is the language of the Qur’an, recited in solah, hajj, and other Islamic rites. For this reason, Muslims must return to Islam through learning and practicing its principles, beginning with Arabic. Parents must support their children in acquiring sound Islamic education,” he said.
He added that Islam’s mission to transform society can only be achieved through knowledge, understanding, and practice. Sheikh Abduganiy also noted that Mahdul Furqaan offers diverse programmes ranging from Arabic and Islamic Studies to Qur’an memorisation (Tahfizul Qur’an), arts and humanities, science, and commerce.
The event also featured reflections from the graduating students, who expressed joy at completing their studies.
Abdulmalik Sanni commended the school’s holistic teaching approach, describing it as “sound and exceptional.” He said the knowledge gained would help him confront modern challenges while staying true to Islamic values.
Ahmad Mubashir highlighted the practical impact of Islamic teachings, recalling how a conflict with a neighbour was peacefully resolved through an Imam’s intervention.
“The Imam’s wise counsel helped us find a mutually beneficial solution, demonstrating the power of Islamic values in promoting peaceful coexistence and understanding,” he said.
The ceremony was marked by prayers, goodwill messages, and renewed commitment to advancing Islamic scholarship in the community.
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