The Convocation was held by Khanqah-e-Nomania Mujaddidya of Nomani for the students completing various courses
By: Mufti Abdur Rauf Qasmi
The writer is an Islamic Scholar and Mufti from Darul Uloom Deoband, currently teaching at Khanqah-e-Nomania, Neral, Mumbai, India
The grand convocation program of Imam Waliullah Institute of Islamic Studies, Darul Uloom Imam Rabbani, and Madrasatul Imam Muhammad Qasim An-Nanotwi under the umbrella of Khanqah-e-Nomania Mujaddidya took place today on Wednesday, 6th March 2024. These esteemed educational institutions, under the patronage of renowned Islamic Scholar Maulana Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani Sahab, operate under Khanqah-e-Nomania Mujaddidya in Neral, Mumbai, India.
The institutes are dedicated to provide students with a comprehensive education in Islamic and Shariah studies alongside a profound modern academic curriculum. These institutes aim to equip students with both religious and modern education, enabling them to guide mankind in a comprehensive and appealing manner with a rational approach suitable for the current era. This approach is intended for the betterment of humanity.
This convocation program was held to celebrate the achievements of ulama who completed a rigorous two-year Specialization in Islamic thought, as well as students who successfully completed their Hifzul Qur’an and Aalimiyat Course at Darul Imam Rabbani, and those who finished their Aalimiyat Course at Madrasatul Imam Muhammad Qasim An-Nanotvi.
During the convocation program, the graduates and huffaz were honored with certificates, and turbans were tied to mark their achievements and commitment to their education.
It is noteworthy that, by the grace of Allah Almighty, several academic and tarbiyati institutes are operational within the premises of Khanqah-e-Nomania Mujaddidiya Naqshbandiya, Neral, Raigarh MH. Among them is the Imam Waliullah Institute of Islamic Studies, dedicated to Hazrat Shah Waliullah Saheb. This institute, located within the same Khanqah, offers a two-year course, Takhassus Fil Fikril Islami (Specialization in Islamic Thought), which trains graduates of Madaris (ulama) higher Islamic studies along with the selected contemporary subjects .
Similarly, Darul Uloom Imam Rabbani, dedicated to Hazrat Mujaddid Alf-e-Sani Sarhindi (ra), is a pivotal and esteemed institution that offers a combination of religious and modern education. Here, both religious and contemporary education are provided in accordance with the needs of the current age, following the methodology of the Aslaf (religious elders). The curriculum of this institute spans twelve years, covering Nazra and Hifz, Aalimiyat (Graduation in Arabic language and Islamic Studies), and modern education leading to graduation. Students complete their Aalimiyat Course concurrently with their graduation in modern education.
Additionally, Madrasatul Imam Muhammad Qasim An-Nanotwi, named after Hazrat Imam Qasim Nanotwi, offers a profound 7-year Aalimiyat Course to students from schools and colleges, alongside graduation in modern education.
The event was graced by a multitude of ulama, whose presence added the great honor and significance to the program. It was also attended by the parents of the students, as well as a substantial number of local residents and visitors, both men and women, contributing to the vibrancy of the occasion.
Maulana Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani Sahab, the Director of the Khanqah, presided over the program. The chief guest, Mufti Abu Jandal Sb Qasmi, along with Maulana Salamatullah Sahab Nadwi and Janab Nasim Sir, the General Manager of Rahman Foundation, graced the event as the Guests of Honor.
The chief guest of the program, Mufti Abu Jandal Qasmi Sahab, imparted the last lesson from the sacred book of Hadith, Bukhari Sharif, to the students along with Maulana Mujeeb Sahab Nadwi and granted the graduates permission to narrate the Ahadith with the Sanad, the chains of transmission of the Hadith, to the students.
The program commenced with a mesmerizing recitation of the Glorious Qur’an by Hafiz Ibrahim Patni, student of Darul Uloom Imam Rabbani, 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 Ibrahim Sambhal, 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.
Following the Naat , Maulana Fuzail, a student of Imam Waliullah Institute of Studies, delivered a thought-provoking speech titled “Imam Waliullah’s Thought and Its Relevance for the Present Time.”
He eloquently explained Imam Waliullah’s thought, highlighting its universal appeal and profound significance for humanity, especially in the present era.
His heartfelt reflections on the topic served as a testament to the quality of education and training provided by the dedicated and extraordinarily talented teachers at the institute.
The Deputy Director, Mufti Zainul Abideen, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed audience and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their gracious presence. He eloquently reflected on the exceptional system of the Khanqah and its esteemed institutes, shedding light on their remarkable achievements. The Deputy Director articulated that students from India and abroad pursue a holistic education encompassing both religious and modern studies up to graduation at Darul Uloom Imam Rabbani. The academic curriculum at Darul Uloom Imam Rabbani is meticulously designed to include Nazra, Hifz, and Aalimiyat education, alongside a comprehensive range of modern subjects.
Furthermore, upon completing the enriching 12-year educational journey, students have the opportunity to pursue a two-year Diploma in Specialization in Tafseer, further enhancing their scholarly pursuits.
The Khanqah also houses the Nomani Public School, offering education from nursery to 6th grade in an enriching Islamic environment. The school places a strong emphasis on Islamic Tarbiyah, ensuring that students are kept within the campus to safeguard them from external influences and immoral activities. This is made possible through the dedicated supervision of teachers and mentors who are committed to providing a nurturing environment.
Additionally, the Nomani Institute of Learning for girls offers online education specifically tailored to girls and women, with female teachers and mentors providing guidance and support.
Likewise, the Nomani Institute of Learning for boys offers online Islamic education and Tarbiyah, extending its reach to a broader audience of male students.
Furthermore, there is a Madarsa Nomania for boys in Belgam, Karnataka, providing a comprehensive education that includes both religious and contemporary subjects up to the 10th grade.
Similarly, the Rahman Foundation, a benevolent charitable trust operating from the Khanqah and spanning 18 branches across various cities in India, tirelessly works to uplift and empower marginalized communities. Their dedication to social welfare and education underscores their commitment to the nation’s progress and the betterment of its people, particularly those in underserved areas.
“Alhamdulillah, these institutions are achieving remarkable success in nurturing students who are not only academically proficient but also morally upright and ready to contribute positively to the Ummah. Their holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared to face the challenges of the modern world while remaining grounded in Islamic principles,” he added.
Mufti Zain ul Abideen Sahab earnestly encouraged parents and guardians to wholeheartedly support the noble cause of the Markaz ul Khalil project and its building. He emphasized the significance of completing the full 12-year Aalimiyat course for students who have completed the Hifz program, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded education. The Deputy Director stressed that Allah is the Sustainer of everyone and will provide for those who dedicate themselves and their children to Allah’s cause. He cited the example of Maryam’s story from the Quran (Surah Ali Imran, chapter 03 Ayah 27) , where she was provided with unseasonal fruits as a sign of Allah’s sustenance, to illustrate this point .
At the conclusion of the convocation, Hazrat Maulana Khalirur Rahman Sajjad Nomani, the rector of the Khanqah, who could not attend the program physically due to unavoidable circumstances, delivered an enlightening address to the graduates virtually. He reminded them of their sacred duty, as assigned by Allah Himself in the Qur’an (Qur’an: 9:122).
Maulana Khalirur Rahman Sajjad Nomani emphasized that the graduates had pursued religious education to gain a profound understanding of Islam and were trained for successfully and effectively spreading Islamic teachings. He urged them to return to their communities fully equipped with knowledge and understanding of the Qur’an and Hadith, and to convey these teachings to others to promote awareness of the commandments of Shari‘ah. He encouraged them to prioritize the Hereafter (Akhiratlh) as their primary objective.
Maulana Nomani highlighted that the Qur’an had illuminated their path and guided them to the right way, emphasizing the significance of this Ayah and advising them to always keep it in mind. He reiterated that it was now their responsibility to convey this message to others, introducing them to their Creator and guiding them out of darkness. He sternly warned against getting overly involved in worldly pursuits and making worldly success their primary objective, neglecting their religious duty of guiding the people. Furthermore, he encouraged parents to dedicate their graduating children to the service of Deen and its teachings.
The program concluded with the heartfelt dua of Maulana Salamatullah Nadwi Sahab, which moved many to tears.
The event’s success was attributed to the support of Janab Naseem Sir, the General Manager, Mufti Zainul Abideen Sahab Qasmi, the Deputy Director of the Khanqah, Mufti Abu Bakar Sahab, Maulana Abdul Aleem Sahab, Mufti Faheem Sahab, Jamal Sir and Usama Bhai Motorwala.
Additionally, the teachers of Mahad, Nanotwi, and DUIR, along with the others, lent their support and expertise, collectively creating a memorable and impactful convocation ceremony.
