JEDDAH — The Khaja Banda Nawaz College of Engineering (KBNCE) Alumni Jeddah chapter organized a felicitation ceremony to honor and appreciate Hafiz Qari Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani recently at a local restaurant here. Hafiz Abdullah won first prize out of 1,000 contestants in the annual Qur’an memorization competition organized by “Khairokum Qur’an Memorization Society” for Makkah region.

The felicitation ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses from the Qur’an by Hafiz Abdullah and the event was conducted by Syed Mohiuddin, KBNCE Alumni general secretary.

Alumni coordinator Mohammed Yahiya welcomed the distinguished guests and bouquets were presented to Hafiz Abdullah, chief guest Abdul Mateen and to the Alumni executive committee members.

Hafiz Abdullah, in his speech, thanked the Alumni for honoring him while elaborating that it took him 4 years to complete memorization of the Qur’an. He said that he was a bit concerned during competition session due to several hurdles that need to be cleared to be selected as a winner and would like to pursue studies in accounting.

Syed Nasir Khursheed, president of the alumni, said it is a great honor and privilege for KBNCE alumni to felicitate Hafiz Abdullah for his achievements. He thanked Allah Almighty for his Blessings and Bounties. He congratulated Hafiz Abdullah and his parents on winning the award, which made not only his family but the entire Indian community very proud. He prayed for the successful future of Hafiz Abdullah.

Khursheed also announced the establishment of the Alumni Yanbu chapter, and he congratulated Engr Mirza Khadeer Baig and his team for taking the initiative to start the new chapter in Yanbu.

Abdul Mateen Usmani, father of Abdullah, in his address, first thanked to Almighty Allah for the honor bestowed on his son, then appreciated the role of Dar ul Furqan school from where his son completed the Qur’an memorization. He also emphasized the mother’s role in upbringing of the children and said his wife attended the Qur’an teaching and Tajweed classes which helped to support and guide Hafiz Abdullah in pursuing his studies.

Alumni Vice President Saleh Bin Ali congratulated Hafiz Abdullah and expressed admiration to on the latter’s completion of Qur’an memorization and winning the first prize out of 1,000 native Arabic-speaking competitors. He expressed his gratitude to Hafiz Abdullah’s parents for their support and encouragement for his accomplishment and prayed for his success in this life and Hereafter. Ali also stated that Hafiz Abdullah’s achievement is an inspiration to the parents and the young children of the community to achieve excellence by doing their best.

Alumni member Syed Ahmed Ali Soofi expressed his heartiest congratulation to Hafiz Abdullah, his parents and the entire Indian Diaspora for completion of the Qur’an memorization and amazing achievement of getting first prize in the competition organized by Makkah region society. He quoted the Hadith about the rewards of Qur’an memorization and stated that those who memorize the Qur’an and practices its teachings, Allah will honor their parents on the day of judgment and will allow the Hafiz to intercede for ten persons with success. He concluded his address with blessings and prayers for Hafiz Abdullah’s long healthy life and rewards Hereafter.

Alumni Executive committee member Aijaz recalled Hafiz Abdullah’s father Abdul Mateen’s dedication and involvement in voluntary works for the beneficiary of society and stated that he works tirelessly for the good cause of the community.

A shawl to Hafiz Abdullah and his father and memento as a token of appreciation to Hafiz Abdullah was presented during the event. Alumni member Mohammed Abdul Rab presented an Urdu poetry in appreciation to Hafiz Qari Abdullah, which was applauded by the audience.

The event culminated with the vote of thanks by alumni treasurer Abubaker bin Hussain, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest and all the attendees. – SG