Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, recently participated in the graduation ceremony for the "Understanding the Qur'an and Islamic Sciences" program. This event, organized by the Fatwa Department in Onikişubat, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, was held at the invitation of Dr. Ali Erbaş, President of Turkish Religious Affairs.
The ceremony, hosted at the Mehmet Akif Ersoy Cultural and Arts Center, brought together local officials, families of the graduating students, and a large audience of citizens. The event included speeches by high-ranking officials and stirring Islamic songs performed by male and female students who had memorized the Qur'an. Their moving recitations celebrated the beauty and majesty of the Qur'an, creating a profound spiritual atmosphere.
Memorizing the Qur'an: The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey
In his address to the graduates, Dr. Al-Qaradaghi delivered an inspiring message: "Your memorization of Allah’s Book marks only the beginning of the path, not its end. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Recite and ascend,’ which means that elevation through the Qur'an applies not only in the hereafter but also in our lives here on earth. You must strive to understand and reflect upon its meanings, bringing its teachings into your daily lives. The Qur'an is not merely for recitation; it is a way of life to be embodied and practiced."
He emphasized, "Ethics and conduct should be the compass for every Qur'an bearer in society. The more you hold to its teachings, the stronger your spiritual resilience to face life’s challenges. You are now entrusted not only with memorizing the Qur'an but with sharing its values and teachings within your communities."
Memorization: A First Step Toward Understanding and Implementation
Dr. Ali Erbaş, President of Religious Affairs, also spoke at the event, expressing his joy at the success of the "Understanding the Qur'an" program. He noted that the initiative was launched to enable students, after completing their memorization, to deepen their understanding of the Qur'an and incorporate its guidance into their lives.
"Memorizing the Qur'an is the first step, but the true objective is to understand it and apply it. The Qur'an is a light illuminating our path, and we must structure our lives in alignment with its teachings," Dr. Erbaş stated.
He highlighted that Turkey currently has around 85,000 students memorizing the Qur'an across the nation, with approximately 15,000 students graduating annually with certification in Qur'anic memorization. "We are proud to witness this new generation of memorizers carrying the Qur'an’s miracle in their minds and hearts—indeed, a tremendous blessing from Allah," he added.
Dr. Erbaş further affirmed the Directorate’s commitment to supporting these students in their academic and religious journeys, especially those pursuing Islamic studies, stating, "These students are the scholars and leaders of the future Islamic community."
After the official addresses, Dr. Erbaş awarded graduation certificates to the students amid joyful celebrations shared by the students and their families.
The ceremony also included the honoring of outstanding students who excelled in Islamic studies alongside their Qur'anic memorization.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Kahramanmaraş Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer, Independence University Rector Dr. İsmail Bakar, Director-General of Administration Services at the Directorate of Religious Affairs Benyamin Kahraman, and Kahramanmaraş Mufti Abdurrahman Kutan, along with many families and citizens who joined in celebrating this special occasion.
Source: Media Office