Maulana Syed Talha Naqshbandi speaks in the 20th MMERC Convocation in Mumbai
By Muaz Muddassir Qasmi
Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Centre (MMERC), Mumbai, a renowned educational institution in India, aiming to equip Madrasa graduates (ulama) with the Diploma in English Language and Literature (DELL) along with selected contemporary subjects, conducted, today on Saturday, 2nd March 2024, a profound convocation program of madrasa graduates who completed a two-year DELL course and the students passed out from Maktab Markazul Ma’arif. During the convocation program, DELL graduates and Maktab passed out students were honored with certificates and various prizes.
On this auspicious occasion, a large numbeuiopr of MMERC alumni, including Maulana Froze Alam Qasmi from Malawi, Maulana Abdullah Marufi, Mufti Abdul Rauf Qasmi, Maulana Sikandar Azam, and Maulana Shah Faisal Qasmi, graced the program with their presence. The event was also attended by parents of Makab Makazul Ma’arif students, as well as a significant number of local residents, both men and women, were present adding to the program’s vibrancy and significance.
The program was presided over by Dr. Maulana Isa Nadvi, former vice principal of Tibbia Medical College and Kalsekar Hospital, whereas Hafiz Iqbal Chunawala, member shura of Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband was present as the Guest of Honor.
The program commenced with a mesmerizing recitation of the Glorious Qur’an by Qari Shakeel Nomani, a student of MMERC, setting the blessed and spiritual moments for the program. This was followed by a heartfelt Naat-e-Pak, glorifying the Prophet Muhammad (saws), beautifully rendered by Maulana Jahangir Sheikh, which touched the hearts of all attendees. The captivating performances added a spiritual and melodious essence to the program, setting the stage for a memorable event.
After the delightful presentation by the Maktab children, Maulana Tauqeer Rahmani, a student of MMERC, eloquently shared his two-year journey, highlighting the students’ experiences and accomplishments. His heartfelt reflection in English added a testament to the quality of education and training provided by the dedicated and extraordinarily talented teachers at MMERC.
Following Maulana Tauqeer Rahmani’s presentation, Maulana Zaheerul Islam Qasmi, honored as the Best Speaker of the Year, delivered a thought-provoking speech in English titled “Concept of God in Major Religions of the World,” articulating Islam’s precise and concise definition of God. He proved Islam’s concept as the most logical and rational, highlighting its universal appeal and profound significance for humanity.
Mualana Zubair, Maulana Ilyas, and Maulana Jahangir delivered a farewell anthem (Alwidai Tarana) on behalf of all the passing out students which unfolded multiple emotional moments. Their heart touching portrayal left the audience deeply moved and enthralled, adding a heartfelt touch to the program.
Two significant books were released which added to the program’s grandeur. The first, “Seeratun Nabi: Biography of the Greatest Man Ever – Prophet Muhammad (saws)” penned in English by Maulana Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi, and the second, “Muntakhab Ayate Qur’ani aur Urdu Tarjama,” compiled by Maulana Dr. Isa Nadvi.
Maulana Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi, the Director of MMERC and Editor Eastern Crescent, in his closing remarks, imparted valuable advice to the students. He emphasized the importance of maintaining faith and honesty in the upcoming challenging circumstances, urging them never to compromise their religious beliefs and good moral conducts for worldly gain. He concluded by announcing certificates and prizes, marking the successful conclusion of the program.
It is worth noting that Maulana Nawaz Ashraf Nadvi, Maulana Hasan Khan and Maulana Zaheerul Islam Qasmi, students of MMERC, were declared first, second and the third position holders respectively, based on their outstanding academic performance throughout the year. Prizes in the form of medals and laptops were awarded to the first, second, and third position winners.
The Best Writer of the Year awards in English and Hindi were given to Maulana Jahangir Sheikh and Maulana Tauqeer Rahmani respectively. Muhammad Sullya received the Punctual Student of the Year, Maulana Hamza Qasmi was honored with the Immaculate Personality Award, and Maulana Zubair Qasmi received the Efficient Personality Award. Maulana Abdur Rahman Qasmi was recognized with the Pleasing Personality of MMERC, Maulana Nawaz Ashraf Nadvi received the Social Personality Award, and Maulana Itbar Ahmad was awarded with the Spiritual Personality Award. Maulana Muhammad Salman Alam Qasmi was honored with the Sportsman of the Year Award for the MMERC Batch 2024.
The program’s chief guest, Syed Maulana Talha Naqshbandi Khalifa, Maulana Pir Zulfiqar Naqshbandi, in his speech, emphasized on the importance of learning the dominant language in the world. He stressed that acquiring proficiency in English language is not only an urgent need of the time but also a religious obligation to effectively convey the teachings of Islam to those familiar with it. He cited Allah’s wisdom in sending Prophets with the language of their own people to ensure the accurate transmission of divine messages.
Maulana Talha Naqshbandi also expressed gratitude to Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Al Qasimi for his efforts, which have enabled thousands of scholars (ulama) to effectively render services for Islam and humanity in need by mastering English language. Maulana Ajmal established MMERC in 1994.
Maulana Muaz Muddassir Qasmi, MMERC lecturer and sub editor Eastern Crescent, served as the anchor for the program, ensuring its smooth execution. The event’s success was attributed to the support of Maulana Atiqur Rahman Qasmi, the in-charge of Markazul Ma’arif, and Maulana Shahid Qasmi, the Imam and Khatib of Markazul Ma’arif, alongside Maulana Aslam Javed Qasmi, Mufti Jasimuddin Qasmi, Maulana Jameel Qasmi, Maulana Wasim Akram Qasmi, and others.Their collective efforts and valuable contributions were instrumental in the program’s success.
