By the Grace of Allah Almighty and blessings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW), Minhaj Women League UK presented the Midland Zone students with a one-day Irfan-ul-Quran course on the 10th May 2015 at the Ria Lounge Birmingham. The objective of this course was to develop a compassion for the comprehension of the Holy Quran developing the ability of reciting the Holy Quran with correct pronunciation for the 60 participants.

Sister Gulshan e Fatima, Minhaj Women League UK President of Midland Zone, welcomed the participants of the course underlining that it was a fundamental responsibility of all Muslims to gain basic knowledge and awareness of Islamic teachings.

The event began with the exquisite recitation of the Holy Quran by Sister Shaheena, after which followed a wonderful Naat called Minhaj-ul-Barakah by Sister Sadia Iqbal Dawah Secretary of Sandwell Minhaj Women League. A brief introduction of the course was presented by Sister Rosina Nawaz General Secretary Minhaj Women League Midland Zone UK.

Assessment

All students took part in an assessment session hosted by Mrs. Fatima Mash’hadi, President Minhaj Women League UK. This assessment was to determine what level of understanding all the students had before the course began, after which workbooks in Urdu and English were handed out to all participants to begin the main sessions of the course.

Tajweed

Sister Shaheena explained Tajweed, looking at the basic Arabic alphabet and sounds. The main purpose of this session was to teach the correct pronunciation of the Holy Quran by teaching ‘Tajweed’.

Tajweed Practise in Groups

This explanation was followed by all students reciting the Arabic alphabet with correct pronunciations within small groups. This was highly appreciated by all participants.

The Holy Quran

The second session of the course was welcomed by Mrs. Fatima Mash’hadi with the introduction of the Holy Quran explaining in detail the technical and linguistic meaning of the Holy Quran. She briefly talked about the revelation, (Wahi) of the Holy Quran through literal and practical definitions. She beautifully explained and recited five ‘Sifati’ names of the Holy Quran and explained their meanings in the light of different verses of the Holy Quran.

Zuhur Prayer and Lunch

After session two, it was time for Zohar prayer and lunch break.

Fiqh

Taharah (cleanliness) and Wudu (ablution) were explained in the session of Fiqh, addressed by Sister Mussarat Hussain, General Secretary Minhaj Women League UK and Sister Summaiya Murtaza, Information Secretary Minhaj Women League UK, who elaborated on the topic of Wudhu in the light of the Quran and Hadith, highlighting the four compulsory acts of Wudhu. All of these acts were practically explained to all members present, which they highly appreciated.

Surah Al-Fatiha

The final session was the translation and explanation of Surat Al-Fatiha and Hadith. This was explained by Mrs. Fatima Mash’adi. She briefly explained the importance of this exquisite Surah of the Holy Quran, how it is also called in so many different names highlighting six particular names, as well as explaining that this Surah is also a blessing for those who are unwell.

Fatima Mash’adi also elaborated on the importance of ‘root words’, basic materials which make up letters in the Holy Quran. This helped the participants further understand the meaning of what is written in Surat Al-Fatiha. She fully explained every word of Surat Al-Fatiha, showing the participants how glorified, and merciful our Creator is, which touched the souls of all who listened. She also elaborated on the mission of Minhaj-ul Quran, to follow the straight path, to change your ways of thought towards selflessness and piety, cleansing your souls.

Re-assessment & Feedback

The assessment papers which, given at the beginning of the course, were re-issued to all the students, where they could reflect on what was learnt. Course feedback forms were distributed and Alhamdulillah 100% positive feedback was received. All of those who attended the course were very happy with the content and knowledge gained and fully appreciated the efforts of all who organised this event.

Certificates

Certificates were awarded to all participants, followed by a heart touching Dua. The course was concluded by Usatada Fatima Mash’adi. May Allah Almighty bless such wonderful events and give Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League UK the strength to organise more events to educate our communities.