The fire is burning in our own homes but we are concerned about others! Passionate speech of Maul. Badruddin Ajmal at MMERC, Mumbai
Mohammad Taukir Rahmani
August 26, 2024
Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Centre (MMERC), Mumbai is a unique institution, setting itself apart with its exceptional approach in teaching English language to ulama through a two year post madrasa course – Diploma in English Language and Literature (DELL). The distinctive methodology employed here for teaching English is unparalleled. Along with language education, significant attention is devoted to nurturing the literary tastes of the students and to polish them as better human beings to shine in the world of knowledge and wisdom in the future.
Graduates of MMERC are appropriated not only within India but also abroad for their marked expertise and distinct working skills.
“Markazul Ma’arif, Mumbai is not just the name of an institution but a movement that meets contemporary academic demands for ulama and serves as a beacon of guidance for many”, said Maulana Mohammad Burhanuddin Qasmi, the Director of MMERC and the Editor of Eastern Crescent. He further added, “It embodies the vision of our elders, and those associated with this movement are the shining lights for our Nation and the Muslim community.”
The guiding light behind this MMERC movement which was established in 1994 has been Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Al-Qasmi, who is not only the founder of this institute but also the architect of hundreds of other educational institutions – madrasas, schools, colleges across India, especially in Assam. Under Maulana Ajmal’s able leadership these institutions are making invaluable contributions to the promotion of knowledge and professional services from elementary level to the post graduation levels, from religious education to science, law and medicine, including NEET, JEE and UPSC coaching institutes.
On Sunday – 25 August 2024, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal paid a visit to MMERC, Mumbai and spent some quality time with the new batch of DELL students and local public. He began his interaction with the students with two comprehensive hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (saws):
“Actions are judged by intentions” and “Let those who are present convey the ‘message’ to those who are absent.”
He emphasized on the importance of intention in the correctness of a deed. Maulana Ajmal elaborated and advised by stating that no work should be considered insignificant or less important. Whether it is leading prayers as Imam, calling to prayer as Muwazzin, teaching in a Maktab, being a Sheikhul Hadith, Director of a professional organisation or professor of a reputed University – all are important, and they must be carried out with grace and sincerity. In every situation, one should be grateful to Allah, he said.
In light of the Hadith “Let those who are present convey the ‘message’ to those who are absent,” he urged the students to pass on their knowledge to others. He further stated that today, everyone wants to serve the religion, but according to his own understanding only. However, the true service to the religion of Islam lies in adhering to “اطیعواللہ و اطیعوالرسول” [Obey Allah and obey the Messenger.]
“People learn English and think about reforming the people of Britain and America, while Prophet Muhammad (saws) was commanded, “وانذر عشیرتک الاقربین” (And warn your closest relatives). The fire is burning in our own homes, yet we are concerned about others, Maulana Ajmal argued. Notably the Prophet (saws) began his mission of preaching Islam from within his own household first”, Maulana Ajmal point out.
Following the Maghrib Salah, Maulana Ajmal addressed the public at Masjid Markazul Ma’arif and stated that attending religious gatherings is a blessing for Allah’s fortunate servants, which not everyone is favoured with. He particularly emphasized over the proper upbringing of children, noting that today’s conflicts between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, and wives and husbands are the results of not giving children a proper upbringing and keeping them away from moral education during their childhood. He also urged the audience to avoid conflicts and adhere to the teachings of the Prophet of Islam (saws). The gathering which consisted many college and school students along with intellectuals ended with a heartfelt Dua of Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Al-Qasmi, former MP from Dhubri Assam and the CEO of Ajmal CSR.
