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Living abroad not excuse for Quran illiteracy, moral decadence
A United States-based Islamic School, Sabeel Ul Faoz Arabic School, has graduated 12 teenage Quran memorisers amidst pomp and pageantry.At the maiden edition of the graduation ceremony, scholars also emphasized the importance of Islamic education for Nigerians and other nationals living abroad, urging parents to enroll their children in Quran schools. They said that living abroad should not be an excuse for the upcoming generation to be deprived of Islamic teachings and morals.Hundreds of Nigerians, including parents of the graduates, friends, relatives, and their loved ones, defied the early morning downpour to gather at the expansive open field located at the mosque premises at 9033 Crawfordville Road, Indianapolis, United States, to celebrate their sons and daughters who have been certified grounded in memorizing chapters of the holy Quran.Speaking at the event organized by the Sabeel Ul Faoz Islamic Association, a United States-based Islamic Association held in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Chief Imam of the association, Alhaji Ayilara Taofeeq, stressed the importance of parenting, especially for those living abroad, saying that there is an urgent need to pay special attention to their children’s Islamic education.
According to him, society could have a greater influence on children if parents abdicate their responsibilities by failing to train them through the teaching of morals in conjunction with the teachings of Allah.Ayilara said: “One of the major challenges facing parents nowadays is that for some reasons, children are becoming unguarded and uncontrolled. Some parents allow their children to become their boss instead of giving them the proper upbringing that will shape their lives properly. One of the easiest ways to correct this is by enrolling them in Arabic schools to enable them to distinguish between what is wrong and right and make them responsible citizens. I pray Allah guides all of us in training them.” On his part, the school principal, Uztadh Abdullahi Raji, also admonished parents to ensure the light and glory of the holy Quran remain in their families through the knowledge and teachings of the sacred book. He said that on the day of judgment, the Quran will intercede for parents and all the children who learn it. He emphasized that there are many rewards for parents and families who enroll their children in Arabic schools, saying that the teachings of Islam will help reform and refine their children as well as distinguish them from others without such knowledge.Also speaking on the background of the school, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Waheed Afolabi, said that the school aims to deliver high-quality Islamic education to children in the United States, particularly in Indianapolis, Indiana, thereby fostering a connection with their Islamic background despite living abroad.
He expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of parents of the graduates, relatives, and other well-wishers, assuring that the association would continue to strive to ensure the quality of teachings is improved to bring out the best in the students that will be produced by the school.The 2024 graduates are Rodiat Gbadamosi, Maliha Aminou, Khairat Yekeen, Haliyat Saliu, Fuahd Ibrahim, Yesir Bello, Toyyibah Oyesigi, Hadii Opasanyah, Aisha Raji, Zain Afolabi, Zainab Okunola, and Mubarak Ajibade.
