Fajr Centre, a prominent Islamic institution in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is poised to celebrate a milestone achievement as it graduates its first set of hufaadh (memorisers of the Holy Qur’an).
Established in 2019 and commencing its full-time Hifz (Qur’anic memorisation) program in 2022, the Centre will hold a grand haflah (celebration) for its graduates on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Ikorodu Local Government premises, Agric Bus Stop, Lagos.
The 10 graduates, including three exceptional female students, have successfully committed the entire Qur’an to memory, an accomplishment that has drawn commendation from Islamic scholars and dignitaries alike.
Pre-Haflah Event: ‘A Day with Fajr’
In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the Centre hosted a pre-haflah event on Sunday, December 8, 2024, tagged ‘A Day with Fajr.’ Held at Fajr Close, off Alhaji Kawu Alabi Crescent, Owutu, Ikorodu, the occasion brought together scholars, Quranic teachers, parents, and other distinguished guests to celebrate the graduates and showcase their mastery of the Qur’an.
The highlight of the day included a Qur’anic game, where the graduates impressed attendees with their eloquent recitation and deep understanding of the Qur’an. The event also featured a Nasheed presentation by the students and a tour of the Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include separate boarding areas, a masjid, and classrooms for male and female students.
Encouraging Support for Qur’anic Education
The pre-haflah event also served as an avenue to encourage parents to enrol their children and for philanthropists to sponsor students through the Fajr Centre Qur’an Scholarship (FCQS), the program that produced these remarkable graduates.
Alhaja Mutiat Olasumbo Hassan, a Board of Trustees member and wife of the Centre’s founder, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, explained that the institution was born out of her husband’s passion for training young Muslims.
“Managing Fajr Centre for the past four years has been a rewarding experience. It has not only impacted the lives of these students but also enriched mine,” she said. She lauded the female students’ exceptional performance, noting that they are now set to represent Lagos State in the National Qur’anic Competition.
Founder Commends Female Students
The Centre’s founder, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, revealed that the inclusion of female students was initially met with hesitation. However, their impressive achievements have justified the decision. “Two of our female graduates will represent Lagos State in the upcoming National Qur’anic Competition. This highlights the importance of encouraging Islamic knowledge for both genders,” he stated.
Structured Learning and Expansion Plans
Fajr Centre offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes Qur’anic memorisation alongside Islamic sciences such as tajweed, nahw, tawheed, and fiqh. According to Ustaz Akolade Tajudeen Mukaila, a senior teacher, the institution initially experimented with part-time and weekend programs but later focused exclusively on full-time courses to meet its goal of producing complete Qur’an memorisers.
The Centre is also exploring opportunities to extend its programs to retirees and working-class Muslims, ensuring that Qur’anic knowledge remains accessible to all.
Future Aspirations
Reflecting on the Centre’s journey, Alhaji Hassan expressed his vision for Fajr to produce hundreds of Qur’an memorisers annually. “A heart full of Qur’an is a heart that benefits the individual, family, and the Muslim community at large. This is why we remain committed to this noble cause,” he concluded.
The haflah on December 15 is expected to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the graduates’ dedication and inspiring the next generation of hufaadh in Nigeria.
