Versova MLA Haroon Rashid Khan and New AIMPLB Member Iqbal Chunawala Felicitated at MMERC, Mumbai

Versova MLA Haroon Rashid Khan and New AIMPLB Member Iqbal Chunawala Felicitated at MMERC, Mumbai

EC News Desk
Mumbai: 12 Dec. 2024

Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Centre (MMERC), Mumbai, organized a grand welcome and felicitation program in honor of the newly elected MLA, Mr. Haroon Rashid Khan, representing the Versova constituency of Mumbai, Maharashtra and Hafiz Iqbal A. Sattar Chunawala, who was recently selected as a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).

The program commenced with the recitation of the Glorious Qura’n, followed by a Naat in praise of Prophet Muhammad (saws). The event was skillfully anchored by MMERC’s young lecturer, Maulana Salman Alam Qasmi. Mufti Jaseemuddin Qasmi, a senior lecturer at MMERC, delivered an insightful introductory speech highlighting the institution’s mission, its contributions to the community and the Nation. He also mentioned the marked achievements of MMERC alumni. Mufti Jaseemuddin Qasmi provided a concise overview of MMERC’s unique education endeavours and its network of affiliated institutes, pointing that it was established in 1994 by a prominent scholar of India – Mohsin-e Millat [Benefactor of the Nation] – Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Al-Qasmi.

Maulana Atiqur Rahman Qasmi, the branch in-charge of MMERC, delivered the welcome speech and anchored the felicitation for the guests. As a token of respect and tradition, the guests were honored with customary Assamese gamusas and honorary mementoes, crafted with beautiful golden seals. In his address, Maulana Atiqur Rahman congratulated the guests on their achievements and extended best wishes on behalf of MMERC.

The newly appointed member of AIMPLB, Hafiz Iqbal Chunawala, expressed his gratitude for the grand reception. In his remarks, he acknowledged the weight of the responsibility entrusted on him and emphasized the need to fulfill it with honesty and enthusiasm. As an individual actively engaged in social and political activities, Iqbal Chunawala assured everyone of his commitment to becoming even more proactive in his efforts. He pledged to work diligently for the betterment of the community and society at large.

Similarly the newly elected MLA, Mr. Haroon Rashid Khan, expressed his admiration for MMERC and its impactful academic activities. Grateful to Allah for being elected as the MLA of the prestigious Versova constituency, he observed, “When Allah wills the best for you, no one can harm or defeat you.” He pointed out how misconceptions are being spread about Madrasas and Muslims, emphasizing that MMERC is a beacon of hope in combating these misunderstandings on a global scale by offering high-quality education to post-madrasa students in the English language.

Touching on the challenges faced by MMERC concerning its poor infrastructure and land issues within the masjid premises, Haroon Khan assured the audience of his unwavering support to resolve these issues. He said, “I will try my best as your brother and assist you in all possible ways.”

The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Maulana Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi, the Director of MMERC and Editor of Eastern Crescent which followed by supplication led by Maulana Shahid Khan Qasmi, Imam of Masjid Markazul Ma’arif. There were local dignitaries, MMERC students and staff present in the program.