Qism al-Tahfeez Dubai: A Decade of Quranic Excellence and Spiritual Development

Al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Abdeali Saifuddin^RA expresses his amazement while witnessing the magnificent era of his predecessor Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin^RA in his couplet:

The epochs of Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin’s^RA ancestors did not reveal the glories as witnessed in his era.  

This couplet helps the Mumineen of every era express their gratitude for what they are privileged to witness. Among the many glories of al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin^TUS for the spiritual and physical well-being of Mumineen, hifz al-Quran al-Kareem holds a special and unique place. Each individual has a distinctive interpretation of his personal empowerment through this august initiative. This article will try to explore how this empowerment spiritually uplifted the Mumineen of Dubai.

Evolution and Grassroots Development (1424 H – 1436 H)

In Dubai’s spiritual journey, the years 1423 H and 1424 H marked the start of tahfeez in Shehre Ramadan. Dubai holds a special place as a city privileged to host dedicated khidmatguzars for tahfeez activities during Shehre Ramadan. In the subsequent years, khidmatguzars from Surat and Karachi were sent during this sacred month, sparking and nurturing a passion for hifz in the hearts of Mumineen.

This significant beginning led Mumineen to express a strong desire to obtain the “La Uqsimo” Sanad (certificate given on completion of Surat al-Balad), encouraging active participation in tahfeez and ta’līm (learning how to recite Quran) sessions. However, the enthusiasm, like the lively flow of a river, tended to wane as the month ended, eagerly anticipating the renewal of divine energy in the upcoming Shehre Ramadan.

The turning point came in 1434 H at the end of Shehre Ramadan when Al Vazara-tus-Saifiyah (Administrative body of Dawat-e-Hadiyah) issued instructions to the jama’at’s governing bodies all over the world, to plan and work towards making tahfeez a year-round activity. In response, the Dubai jama’at gathered to propose a visionary plan: to request the appointment of a committed khidmatguzar to oversee hifz activities post Shehre Ramadan. This marked the beginning of what would evolve into the esteemed institution we see today.

After Shehre Ramadan, in response to the jama’at’s request, a dedicated khidmatguzar was promptly sent to Dubai for a six-month term. This decisive move laid the foundation for a structured and sustained approach to tahfeez activities in the city. The first khidmatguzar, Shaikh Shabbir Shaikh Shoaib bhai Jamali, was appointed for a six-month term in Dubai to turn potential tahfeez efforts into a tangible reality. In the past years, during Shehre Ramadan , the tahfeez khidmatguzars were supported by Moiz bhai saheb Ezzi and Shaikh Huzefa bhai Rasheed, serving as the foundational building blocks for all tahfeez activities.

Survey Insights and Foundational Programs

In 1434 H, the Ta’leem al-Quran survey, aimed at assessing the tilawat level of Mumineen, was launched across Bilad Imaniyah (cities where community members reside). Consequently, it became imperative to act upon the findings of this survey, ushering in transformative initiatives.

In Dubai, the early programs held during this period laid the foundation for future efforts. Initially, Ta’leem al–Quran batches were arranged for adults at both Saifee Masjid and Burhani Masjid, attracting participation from hundreds of eager learners.

These batches were divided into three groups:

Batch 1: Learning how to read the Quran

Batch 2: memorisation till Surat al-Balad

Batch 3: memorisation Juz Amma with the proper articulation of Makharij al-Huruf & Ahkaam al-Tajweed.

The lasting impact of these foundational programs is witnessed today, with individuals who started this journey now proudly holding the esteemed title of huffaz.

The Fruition

Dubai, a city known for its juxtaposition of struggle and prosperity, bore witness to a unique commitment to tahfeez. Saifee Masjid and Burhani Masjid became the focal points of nightly batches, where Mumineen gathered to attain their feat of hifz. The sad demise of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin^RA in 1435 H marked a transformative period. As Daur al-Quran al-Kareem was conducted across the city to express gratitude for his continuous blessings bestowed upon Mumineen.

In Rajab al-Asab 1435 H, the Dubai jama’at received a directive regarding the appointment of “Qism al-Tahfeez” department in Dubai. This marked the initiation of a structured approach, with dedicated khidmatguzars appointed, and a flat in the Da’wat building allocated for tahfeez activities.

Landmarks and Achievements

In the transformative year of 1436 H, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin^TUS graced Dubai with the event of Yawm al-Arba’een. In his sermon, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin^TUS prayed for more Mumineen to be graced with the tawfeeq to memorise the entire Quran. This prayer resonated deeply, resulting in a remarkable growth of huffaz in Dubai. The fruits of this supplication are evident as 326 Huffaz stand testament today to Dubai’s commitment to hifz al-Quran al-Kareem. A worthwhile phenomenon to mention here is that in this journey Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin^TUS initiated the Quran recitation of 375 Mumineen adults who had learned to read the Quran through these Ta’leem al-Quran classes. Syedna^TUS usually performs this ceremony for very young children, but here he^TUS performed this ceremony for adults; announcing to the world that it is never too late to learn recitation and start memorising the Quran.

In the same year, a two-bedroom flat in Da’wat Building was prepared for hifz activities, commencing with 20 students. A unique program for children willing to memorise the entire Quran alongside their schooling was initiated. Notably, a program for children as young as three years old, introducing Quranic memorisation in a playful manner, was pioneering in its approach.

The year 1439 H witnessed Qism al-Tahfeez Dubai moving to dedicated premises adjacent to the newly renovated al-Masjid al-Saifee in Deira. Inaugurated by Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin^TUS, this premise symbolized the integration of modern technology with traditional concepts in the service of Quranic memorisation.

Structured Programs and Vision (1441 H – Present)

Qism al-Tahfeez Dubai refined its mission, aspiring to provide various tahfeez programs to the residents of Dubai and the UAE at large, based on Mahad al-Zahra’s internationally acclaimed program formats. The vision encapsulates designing and launching tailored programs, making tahfeez accessible to every age group and segment of society.

Over the years, Qism al-Tahfeez Dubai introduced nine programs for Mumineen, each carefully curated to cater to specific needs and age groups. These include: Ta’leem al-Quran, Rawdat al-Tahfeez lil-Mubtadi’een (running at two places), Tahfeez al-Kibaar, Rawdat al-Tahfeez lil-Mujtahideen, Rawfat al-Tahfeez lil-Atfaal, Mukhayyam al-Tahfeez, eLearningQuran Dubai and Bait al-Tahfeez.

Major Benchmarks

Dubai’s spiritual journey experienced significant milestones, such as the commencement of an Online tahfeez program in 1436 H from Amil Saheb’s office. When discussing the hifz journey in Dubai, it would be incomplete not to highlight the invaluable contribution of Ummal Kiram, particularly al-Had al-Farqad al-Azhar Janab Kinana bhai saheb. His steadfast support played an exceptional role in the development of hifz activities in Dubai. In 1438 H, a purpose-built accommodation facility for khidmatguzars was established. This was a paradigm shift, considering there was only one appointed khidmatguzar until then. Another hallmark was the inauguration of a dedicated facility in Nahda in 1441 H.

Noteworthy is the diversity among Qism al-Tahfeez Dubai’s students, ranging from the youngest at three years old to the oldest at 66 years old. This diversity stands as a testament to the program’s inclusivity and commitment to lifelong learning.

In recognition of its humble achievements, Qism al-Tahfeez Dubai received awards in 2020 and 2021 from Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin^TUS.

As Qism al-Tahfeez Dubai reflects on its remarkable journey, welcoming around 700 students daily, the essence of the last decade crystallizes into a profound understanding—it is merely the beginning. In Dubai, a city known for its opulence and allure, a spiritual beacon has emerged, illuminating the hearts and souls of Mumineen. This spiritual odyssey, woven with divine threads, continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s skyline and etching an enduring legacy of Quranic excellence.