Mukhayyam-Talim al Quran al Kareem: A Decade-Long Transformative Hifz Odyssey

Introduction:

In the sacred realm of hifz al-Quran al-Kareem, “Mukhayyam Talim al-Quran al-Kareem” has emerged as a vital force in nurturing hafiz and fulfilling the vision of Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS. The journey of these camps began with a beacon of divine light during the Urs Mubarak of Syedi Fakhruddin Shaheed ^RA on 27-1-1435 H when Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS inquired about the existence of Quran hifz programs at Taherabad. He ^TUS made this inquiry during his visit to Babji Maula’s Pakhti Mubarak in Galiakot, little did the attendees knew that this moment would sow the seeds for a remarkable initiative that will serve as the unique movement for those willing to do hifz al-Quran al-Kareem.

Early Days:

The above event marked the beginning of the movement and its success. In the year 1434 H, a few months before the Urs Mubarak of Syedi Fakhruddin al Shaheed ^RA, each Quran vacation camp began to operate for a span of one month. At the end of the month, students had the option to either continue or leave the camps. These camps represented the first steps toward realizing the vision of Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS, that each household should have at least one hafiz. Let’s examine a few of the hifz class structures from that particular time to gain insight into its successful evolution.

Weekly hifz Classes:

In parallel with the monthly camps, hifz programs continued for Wagarh students who lived in proximity to Galiakot. These students attended classes every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, receiving both meals and accommodation during their three-day stay. Faculty members from Surat, who were still in the process of memorizing the al-Quran, participated in weekly classes from Mondays to Thursdays while also performing khidmat. As a result, the weekly hifz programs were providing dual benefits. This represented an invaluable opportunity for those with a strong desire to fulfill their quest for hifz. The remote location and the tranquillity of this sacred and serene place helped to achieve more in a short time.

Commencement of Full-Year Camp:

The hifz initiative, which began without prior experience at this new venue, was unfolding with numerous opportunities. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach, the decision to launch a full-year camp was made. On 13^th Shawwal 1435 H, a dedicated masool was appointed, and the first two-month hifz camp was organized, marking a significant milestone as a hundred students were selected. A few senior khidmatguzars were tasked with setting up the new venue. After a few consecutive two-month camps during Shehre Rajab al Asab and Shehre Shaban al Kareem 1435 H, further, in Shehrullah, a special camp was organized for foreign aspirants. The movement, which initially occurred on a weekly basis, now extended to two months. Immediately after Shehrullah al Mozzam 1435 H, the idea of a full-year camp was conceived, shaping the program’s evolution.

First Nisab probation batch organized at Galiakot:

One more feather was added to these programs when, for the first time, a probation batch for aspirants willing to join the Nisab commenced in Galiakot. Until now, the Nisab selection probation camps were usually organized in Surat. This also fulfilled the revered wish of Aqa Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS, that those who aspired to obtain Ilm-e-Aale Mohammed ^SA and hadn’t yet had the chance to join al-Jamea-tus-Saifiyah, should have another option to attain their wish. The migration of the Nisab selection probation camp served as a means to provide this opportunity to a larger number of individuals, and the count of students grew exponentially, breaking all previous records. Handling a hundred and seventy students alongside the other tahfeez programs running at the Pakhti was a challenge in itself. However, Babji Maula ^RA, known for his ability to melt metal iron like wax, demonstrated this miraculous power. The evidence lies in the growth of the hifz programs under the revered shadow of Babji Maula’s ^RA makan.

Support from Mazaraat department and Ummal Kiram:

The unwavering support from Mazaraat Idara played a pivotal role in the program’s expansion. Their assistance was instrumental in catering to the needs of students aged between twelve to eighteen years, including handling personal matters and emergencies. The respected and experienced Mazaraat khidmatguzars like; Sk Shabbir bhai Mendardawala, Sk Ali Mohammed bhai Barwaniwala, Sk Juzer bhai Patnawala, Sk Mustafa bhai Rampurawala, Sk Khuzaima bhai Shakir, Sk Zoeb bhai Amravatiwala, Sk Murtaza bhai Khergonwala, Sk Murtaza bhai Mustansir bhai Master, and others, were essential in this endeavor. The parents’ trust in entrusting their children to the khidmatguzars was crucial, and Mazaraat provided additional care and support when needed.

In Galiakot, during the year 1435 H, the Ummal Kiram from Wagarh Moze also provided their invaluable support. Their close proximity to Galiakot allowed them to facilitate the basic requirements for students who attended these camps. As a result, the number of students from Wagarh attending these camps increased significantly.

The journey of Quran vacation camps is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Dawoodi Bohra community in nurturing hafiz and fulfilling the divine vision of Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS. These camps, which started as weekly events, have evolved into full-year programs with exceptional support from Mazararaat and Ummal Kiram. As this noble initiative continues to flourish, it brings us one step closer to the noble goal of having at least one hafiz in every household, a vision deeply cherished by the community.

Expansion of camps in the new venues:

The Quran camps, which initially began in Galiakot for boys, spurred the establishment of new camps for girls as inquiries from aspirants to join hifz programs grew. Burhanpur emerged as the ideal venue, basking in the divine shadow of Sayedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin ^RA, making it the perfect place for anyone aspiring to memorize al-Quran al-Kareem. As previously discussed, Taherabad served as the launchpad for Quran programs, and with the successful expansion into Burhanpur, these camps began to proliferate in various directions. The driving force behind this expansion was solely to attain the dua mubarak of Aqa Maula ^TUS by successfully completing the memorization of the Quran and receiving the hifz shahadat from his pious hands.

After Burhanpur, a prototype hifz program commenced in Babji Maula’s ^RA khet (saamne paar – the land used for irrigation and agricultural purposes). The fastest and most convenient mode of transportation to reach this venue was by boat, as it was necessary to cross the river. This remote area proved to be the best venue due to its low footfalls, minimizing distractions for aspirants keen on memorizing the Quran. The surroundings and location of ‘saamne paar’ were conducive to maintaining focus. Aspirants would wake early, often around 4:30 AM, and tahfeez classes would commence immediately after fajr namaz. Al-Syed al-Ajal Shezada Husain bhai saheb Burhanuddin ^DM consistently emphasized the utilization of early hours for hifz activities. As a routine, aspirants were instructed to have dinner early to ensure they could retire early as well.

In 1437 H, following the success of ‘saamne paar,’ two more camps were established. The Denmal camp was initiated during Shehre Safar al-Muzaffar, and the Banswara camp during Shehre Jumad al-Ula. The Banswara camp catered to boys, and the hifz timings were the same as ‘saamne paar’ venue. This camp had the privilege of welcoming special students and aiding them in memorizing and reciting al-Quran. Two students from Bali serve as a testament to this initiative.

As it is evident from the above discussion to date, five camps have been established: Taherabad, Burhanpur, Saamne paar, Banswara, and Denmal. Denmal camp was initiated to accommodate girls, as Burhanpur alone couldn’t meet the demand, under the revered shadow of Syedi Hasan Feer al-shaheed ^RA. Denmal is considered one of the most privileged venues. During Shehrullah, Aqa Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS used to stay there for the first ten days of Shehrullah.

Additional venues where hifz camps were briefly organized and later discontinued include Zainy Bungalow, Jamnagar, and Dongam.

Recognizing the need for students aged between twelve to seventeen to continue their regular schooling, in the year 1438 H, the camps collaborated with a community school in Taherabad. This schooling initiative has continued to this day. The term ‘camps’ for al-Quran programs was later transformed into ‘Mukhayyam.’ The support offered by the management of ‘Saifiyah Senior Secondary School’ and the khidmatguzars at Galiakot has been exceptional in this regard.

Special benedictions received by khidmatguzars and students during Aqa Maula’s asfaar:

It is evident from the discussion thus far that all camps are initiated under the sacred shadow of the mausoleums of Duat Kiram ^RA and Hudud Fodala ^RA. During Aqa Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin’s ^TUS visits to these revered places, he extended his special blessings to the students and khidmatguzars. On several occasions, students had the privilege of presenting Gilaf made by them. They were fortunate to receive the blessings of qadambosi. On one memorable occasion, the mazar manager Sk Shabbir bhai Menderdawala expressed his gratitude, quoting Aqa Maula ^TUS stated, ‘You are serving those who are memorizing the Quran; you also have the privilege of memorizing it.’ During the Dongam safar, all muhaffezeen were honored with the Sharaf of qadambosi, and Aqa Maula ^TUS graciously gifted each of them a special ring.

During the initial stage of the camps, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS visited Pakthi and Babji Maula’s makan,  khidmatguzars got the opportunity to sit inside the makan. On this occasion, Aqa Maula ^TUS proclaimed to recite surat al-Qadr.

After the completion of Manazil Burhaniyah’s construction at Galiakot Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS visited pakhti and professed ‘pehla su hatu ne su thai gayu‘.

In Zainy Bungalow, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS presided over a maqdam majlis and stayed for one night. During his visit, mukhayyam students were instructed to remain there and continue with their regular activities.

In conclusion, it is evident that the term ‘mukhayyam‘ is used in Arabic to denote a tent raised and erected with the help of the middle column support. hifz Mukhayyams continue to stand strong with the support of the nazaraat of Aqa Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin ^TUS. May Allah Ta’ala bestow upon him a healthy and prosperous life until the Day of Qiyamat. Ameen.