The Head of the Da’wah Research Unit at the National Headquarters of The Muslim Congress, Ustadh Salman Roji, has emphasized the importance of Arabic proficiency in career prospects and religious understanding. Delivering a lecture at the matriculation ceremony of Mahdul Furqaan Foundation for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Lagos, Ustadh Roji described Arabic as a globally relevant language, spoken by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. He noted that it is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
The ceremony formally welcomed 31 newly admitted students to the foundation’s Arabic and Islamic studies programme. The students were admitted into different levels, including Awwal Ibtidaiy, Thani Ibtidaiy, Thalith Ibtidaiy, and Awwal Idaadi. Ustadh Roji urged Muslims to embrace Arabic for its religious, educational, and global relevance, citing its rich vocabulary and international standing. He added that proficiency in Arabic could enable scholars to attain the peak of their careers in academia and other fields.
Ustadh Roji stressed that learning Arabic is essential for every Muslim, regardless of age, to understand the Qur’an and the Sunnah. He encouraged both young and older Muslims to make deliberate efforts to learn the language, arguing that a better understanding of Arabic could strengthen their engagement with Islamic teachings. The scholar maintained that Islamic education could help nurture sound judgement, self-reliance, discipline, and time consciousness among learners.
The Board Chairman of Mahdul Furqaan, Dr Muhammad Abdus-Salaam, congratulated the newly admitted students and urged them to regard their admission as an opportunity to be valued and used responsibly. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the educational opportunities available at the institution and make academic excellence, discipline, and moral character the foundation of their conduct.
The Mudir of Mahdul Furqaan, Ustadh Abdul-Hadi Abdul-Ghaniyy, highlighted the institution’s approach to Qur’anic education, which goes beyond memorising the scripture to ensuring that students understand its meaning. He explained that the institution wants its Huffaz to appreciate the message of the verses they learn rather than focus exclusively on memorisation. Ustadh Abdul-Ghaniyy added that achieving the desired results required commitment from parents and guardians.
Established in September 2022, Mahdul Furqaan Foundation for Arabic and Islamic Studies was founded by professionals seeking to promote Arabic and Islamic knowledge. The institution began its activities with mosque-based classes and has since grown to accommodate more students. The foundation’s emphasis on combining memorisation with comprehension and encouraging parents to participate actively in their children’s education.
Mahdul Furqaan’s matriculation ceremony brought together the school’s management, parents, and other stakeholders to prepare the learners for the responsibilities of their academic journey. The institution’s core values include academic excellence, diligence, discipline, and moral character. With a focus on Arabic and Islamic education, Mahdul Furqaan aims to produce well-rounded individuals who can make a positive impact in their communities.
Key points
- Arabic proficiency does not limit career prospects, but rather enhances opportunities in academia and other fields.
- Mahdul Furqaan Foundation emphasizes understanding the Qur’an alongside memorisation.
- The institution encourages parental support and cooperation to achieve its educational goals.
