Posted by The journey of Nairobi’s Tahfeez-al-Quran has been marked by dedication, faith, and a strong commitment to hifz. It all began with a small group of devoted individuals who shared a common passion for nurturing young minds in Quranic memorization.
In the year 1431 H, Sk Aziz bhai Sk Moiz bhai took on the role of Masool for tahfeez in this significant land. He was tasked with initiating hifz activities in Nairobi, Darussalam, and Mombasa. Back then, they could not have foreseen that this humble beginning would set the stage for an incredible journey. The inception of hifz programs can now be seen as a pivotal step towards the establishment of centers of knowledge and educational institutes in this particular land.
The hifz activities continued, and as time progressed until the year 1435 H, the Atfaal students made remarkable progress in their efforts to memorize al-Quran. Some of them had even achieved the impressive milestone of memorizing twelve ajza and were preparing for their sanah-saniyah ikhtebaar. Such an accomplishment was rare during that period.
The muhaffezeen spared no effort to motivate the Atfaal students to complete the memorization of the entire al-Quran. However, the year 1435 H holds a special place in the hearts of every mumin. It was a year of profound grief and sorrow as it marked the passing of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, who left this world for the divine abode. The emergence of Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS signaled the fulfillment of all the illustrious wishes of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA.
In the year 1436 H, Aqa Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS bestowed Kisumu mumeneen with his presence during the month of Shehre Safar al-Muzaffar 1436 H. Up to this point, only one student, al-Mukarram Sk Huzaifa bhai Badri, had achieved the remarkable feat of memorizing the entire al-Quran. Not only was he the first student to accomplish this incredible task, but he also held the distinction of being the youngest among all the students. To seek the dua mubarak of Aqa Maula TUS, the muhaffezeen did araz of this student during Kisumu Safar. It was a moment filled with sheer joy and ecstasy for the muhaffezeen.
Upon araz Aqa Maula TUS instructed the muhaffezeen to meet with Busahebaa DM, who then set an ambitious target for the upcoming year: to strive hard for five more huffaz next year. Immediately after this safar, Sk Abdeabi Turab bhai Sk Ammar bhai, M Moiz bhai Firoz bhai Mullamitha, and others wholeheartedly embraced this target. With the support of Nairobi MSB, this extraordinary goal was achieved. This achievement marked a significant turning point in the journey of memorizing al-Quran, and both the khidmatguzars remained steadfast in their commitment to realizing this goal.
Trails and challenges faced:
The primary obstacle faced by the hifz activities in Nairobi was the lack of suitable space. The establishment of al-Jamea-tus-Saifiyah in Nairobi proved to be a blessing and a catalyst for the success of the hifz program. The divine guidance of Aqa Maula TUS always graced al-Jamea, profoundly influencing the hifz program in Nairobi. It was al-Jamea that played a pivotal role in overcoming the constraints faced in the path of hifz. Despite these challenges, a solution emerged when Sk Abdeali bhai Zakir offered his bungalow’s garden for hifz activities. A temporary tent was erected for this purpose, and the construction of these tents was generously offered by Sk Shabbir bhai Hebatullah. However, the need for a more permanent and sustainable solution remained a pressing concern.
The first Urs mubarak of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA marked a significant turning point. On the 23rd of Shehre Rabi al-Awwal 1436 H, the hifz program embarked on its journey with just eight students. Within a remarkably short span of six months, one more student, Taizoon Mustafa bhai Esajee, achieved the remarkable feat of successfully completing the memorization of the entire al-Quran. The initial group of eight students gradually grew in number, eventually reaching fifty-seven. This substantial increase in students necessitated additional accommodation and facilities. Thanks to the efforts of Mumeneen, Mahad al Zahra expanded to meet these growing needs.
In front of the newly constructed al-Jamea’s Mahad building, there was an empty space where eight khaimahs (tents) were erected. This space was allocated for hifz activities to accommodate the rising number of students.
Over the years, the number of hafiz continued to grow:
The number of huffaz continued to grow, and the target set by Busahebaa DM of five huffaz was achieved by the dua mubarak of Aqa Maula TUS.
In the year 1437 H, when the enrollment form was circulated for new admissions during Shehre Shaban al Kareem, an astounding total of two hundred aspirants applied for hifz. Following an evaluation process, a hundred and twenty of them were selected. Within just one more year, the number of registrations exceeded 200 students, showcasing the ever-increasing interest and dedication toward hifz.
Inauguration of al-Jamea-tus-Saifiyah:
The Mahad’s journey received a new launch pad in 1438 H when the Nairobi Jamea was inaugurated. The support from al-Jamea for students’ meals and accommodation played a significant role. After al-Jamea’s Imtihaan, Aqa Maula TUS graced Nairobi once again. On the 19th night of shehre Shabaan al Kareem 1438 H, Aqa Maula TUS inaugurated the Mukhayyam building, which was previously used by al-Jamea for six years.
During the inauguration, Aqa Maula TUS blessed and inquired about every single operation of this hifz program. He TUS blessed every khidmatguzar and student with his dua mubarak.
He enquired about the operations of these programs by asking the following questions;
How many years have been passed?
How many hafiz have emerged?
What is the age of the youngest hafiz?
Students got the privilege to recite Surat al-Qadr in front of Aqa Maula TUS.
Aqa Maula TUS graciously named this building Evan-e-Najmi, emphasizing the comparison to Imam’s saying; ‘those who recite al-Quran illuminate like celestial bodies, just as celestial bodies illuminate to them’. With this auspicious naming, hifz activities made a significant shift from the khaima to the Evan-e-Najmi building.
The significance of Evan-e-Najmi doesn’t end here. Hifz activities continued to take place at this revered venue, which was later restored and embellished with advanced facilities. During the auspicious occasion of Milad Mubarak of Aqa Maula TUS, in 1443 H, it was inaugurated online by Aqa Maula TUS. This venue, with its artistic ambiance, proclaims to its visitors that it will assist them in achieving their goal of hifz al-Quran al-Kareem.
Nairobi Mukhayyam has also had the privilege of holding the second position among International Mukayyam for two consecutive years, 1442 H and 1443 H, in terms of overall performance.
The period spanning from Shehre Shawwal al Mukarram 1438 H to Shehre Muharram al Haram 1439 H can be aptly described as the golden era for Mukhayyam. During this time, Aqa Maula’s TUS grandchildren, alongside other Qasr e Aali Sahebo, selected Nairobi Mukhayyam for the completion of their hifz. Their presence profoundly uplifted the spirits of Nairobi Mukhayyam and infused new energy into the hifz movement.
It’s truly fascinating to witness the continuous increase in the number of huffaz year after year at Mukhayyam Nairobi. The significant growth in the count of huffaz is a testament to how this Mukhayyam has evolved and flourished, all because of the dua mubarak of Aqa Maula TUS.
Everything looks superb