The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, came alive on Sunday as twenty-two teenagers graduated from Rowdotu-t-Tanzeel Tahfeez Arabic School, having successfully memorised the entire Glorious Qur’an.
The colourful ceremony, which marked the fourth edition of the school’s annual Qur’an memorisation and basic Islamic education graduation, was attended by Islamic scholars, academics, parents, and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria. Some participants also joined virtually, further underscoring the event’s significance.
All 22 graduands, aged below 18, were awarded certificates of completion for mastering the recitation, tajweed (rules of Qur’anic pronunciation), Arabic grammar, and Islamic ethics.
Their melodious renditions of the Qur’an verses gripped the audience emotionally, as many in attendance were moved to tears by the soul-lifting recitations that illuminated the entire atmosphere.
In his address, the Director of the institution, Mallam Mutiu Uthman, noted that the school was established to instil Islamic values and Qur’anic knowledge in children from an early age.
He emphasised the importance of committing to the Qur’an not only for spiritual elevation but also as a moral compass in a world increasingly plagued by distractions and technological excesses.
Mallam Uthman congratulated the memorisers and advised them not to relent in their spiritual pursuit.
“Memorising the Qur’an is a great feat, but it is only the beginning. The true challenge lies in living by its teachings,” he said.
He encouraged Muslim parents to prioritise Islamic education and expose their children to the memorisation of the Qur’an early in life, adding that the institution had produced students who now study at reputable universities such as Al-Azhar in Egypt, institutions in Malaysia, Turkiye, and top Nigerian universities.
The Chairman of the day, Professor Shuaib Osunleke, applauded the dedication and resilience of the young scholars.
He urged Muslims to internalise the values of the Qur’an and project them through acts of peace, justice, and kindness in society.
Delivering his lecture, Sheikh Sirajudeen Bakrin, Chief Imam of Fountain University, Osogbo, advised families to celebrate moderately and hold their children in high esteem for such a noble accomplishment.
He warned the graduates to remain steadfast and avoid influences that contradict the essence of the Qur’an they had memorised.
He said, “They are now the bearers of Allah’s words. They must live by it, protect it, and use it to guide others on the straight path.”
The names of the twenty-two outstanding Qur’an memorisers include: Ibrahim Oluwaferanmi Lawal, Alabi Habeebah Oluwadunmininu, Munirudeen Abdulrahman Abiodun, Fari'ah Temitope Ojuroye, Abdul-Qawiyy As-Siddiq Abdulhameed, Ibrahim Olamide Lawal, Aleem Halimah Olamide, Firdaus Oluwaferanmi Oyelami, Odenike Ibraheem Dolamu.
Olowomojuore Muhammad Olakunle, Adeboye Summayyah Adedolapo, Ajibade Waliyah Adeola, Adewale Kafilah Adebimpe, Adedokun Fatimah Afolashade, Olurode Tolhah Kehinde.
Saheed Sofiyyah Adedamola, Moyosore Muhammed Alade, Badru Muhammad Olusola, Tajudeen Toliah Akorede, Tajudeen Abdullah Olamide, Teslim Aisha Aduke Ayomide, and Abdullah Opeyemi Abdul Rasaq.
