Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH - “Iqra” (Read) was the first letter and first lesson to Muslims from Allah the Almighty. Allah has revealed Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the importance of education is repeatedly emphasized in the Qur’an.

“So Muslims and education are not detached,” said Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood, from King Abdul Aziz University. He added, “Knowledge (‘ilm) occupies a significant position within Islam, but unfortunately Muslims are going far from education, as they are unaware of its importance.”

Dr. Syed was addressing a luncheon party hosted by Mirza Qudrath Nawaz Baig, to discuss “Indian Muslims and education”.

According to him, “If we make Islamic education as a part of our life then we can understand that Islamic education is uniquely different from other types of educational theory and practice largely because of the all-encompassing influence of the Qur’an.”

“The Qur’an serves as a comprehensive blueprint for both the individual and society and also as the primary source of knowledge,” said Dr. Syed.

Prof. Asif Rameez Daudi, chairman IISJ who was also present in the luncheon, said, “In this science and technological era, parents must educate their children. Only an educated person can be successful person, as proper education is must in every field of life”.

IISJ management committee member Mohd Tahir Ali said, “Parents should be aware about importance of education; we should focus on educational project back home in India.”

Earlier Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood presented a bouquet and copy of Holy Qur’an to Daudi, while Baig presented a copy of Holy Qur’an to Tahir Ali, and Sheikh presented a copy of Holy Qur’an to Mohammed Ameenuddin Ansari.

Others present were Liakath Ali Khan, Khalid Hussain, Sheikh Ibrahim, Abdul Rahman M. Baig, Mahmood Misri, Mohammed Shoebuddin, Mohammed Yousuf Waheed, Mohammed Tahir Ali and Qari Mohammed Noor.

The program started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Qari Mohammed Noor, followed by Naat by Khaled Hussain and Ameen Ansari and concluded with Dua supplication by Qari Noor Mohammed.