| Grand opening of Jamia Al-Karams female Islamic Studies faculty |
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| Saturday, 11 October 2008 | |
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Al-Karam Centre for Higher Education now caters for Muslim female students of the UK On the occasion of ‘Gateway to Divine Mercy 2008; Awakening our Souls’ held on Sunday 29 June 2008 at the Sheridan Suite in Manchester, an announcement was made on behalf of Shaykh M I H Pirzada expressing his interest in opening up the services of Jamia Al-Karam to cater for the Muslim sisters of the United Kingdom. This announcement was further echoed a week later on the occasion of the annual Urs Conference of the Ummah’s Luminary, Diya’ al-Ummat, held at Jamia Al-Karam.  Shaykh M I H Pirzada cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of Jamia Al-Karams new female students faculty A separate portion of Jamia Al-Karam’s premises was designated for the new sisters’ boarding and education complex. Generous Muslims donated towards the work and others – including staff of Jamia Al-Karam – practically contributed to the work. An entire portion was quickly set up which now houses the boarding block as well as the education, prayer, kitchen and lounge block all surrounded by the greenery of the North Nottinghamshire countryside. Whilst practical work was being undertaken at the premises of Jamia Al-Karam, the administration office was busy dealing with and processing enquiries from interested individuals and planning the day-to-day running of this new important unit of Jamia Al-Karam. Initial capacity was a mere nine places, however, due to extra demand this was quickly increased and Jamia Al-Karam is now able to cater for eighteen students.  A glimpse of the new lounge for the female students of Jamia Al-Karam All this work and step by step preparation was under the continuous guidance and close supervision of Shaykh M I H Pirzada, who spent every moment making sure that everything was going as he envisaged and planned. Shaykh M I H Pirzada’s desire is that Muslim women of this country need to be fully educated and well versed in their knowledge and comprehension of Islam so that they can play their vital role in the betterment of Islam and the Muslims in the modern world. Hence, the course being offered is a 3-year Diploma in Islamic Studies, Sciences and Scholarship. Urgency was required in fulfilling this dire need of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama‘ah and, al-hamdu lillah, his vision has become a reality. Due to his sincerity, commitment and trust in Allah (Most High), within a short span of three months, Shaykh M I H Pirzada’s vision and desire practically materialised and on Sunday 5 October 2008, Jamia Al-Karam opened its doors to fourteen Muslim female students (post-18) who enrolled and have begun their journey in seeking the knowledge and essence of Islam – the message passed on to us by Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace).  Shaykh M I H Pirzada praying to Allah (Most High) showing gratitude at this favour upon Jamia Al-Karam During the few days and nights prior to the opening, Shaykh M I H Pirzada and others from the staff of Jamia Al-Karam, spent the days and nights polishing up and putting the final touches in place. On Sunday 5 October 2008, Shaykh M I H Pirzada, accompanied by Allama Sayyid Hafiz Muhammad Farooq Shah (Birmingham), staff of Jamia Al-Karam and other guests, officially opened this new faculty of Jamia Al-Karam. Shaykh M I H Pirzada offered prayers of gratitude to Allah (Most High) in the new academic block and then all guests seated themselves in the new lounge set up for the students. Shaykh M I H Pirzada and the guests spent a few moments in quiet contemplation and reflection and moments later contact was made with Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah al-Qurashi at DMG Bhera in Pakistan via telephone. Shaykh Amin al-Hasanat al-Qurashi is the principal of DMG Bhera as well as the Ghawthiyya Girls College (which is catering for 900+ female boarding students) and its affiliated branches. Shaykh Amin al-Hasanat al-Qurashi congratulated Shaykh M I H Pirzada and offered a very emotional prayer seeking the mercy and benevolence of Allah (Most High). Tears began falling from the eyes of Shaykh M I H Pirzada and those present. It was a truly inspiring moment as the guests sat in the company of an emotional Shaykh M I H Pirzada and at the same time were listening to the stimulating voice of Shaykh Amin al-Hasanat al-Qurashi. With the end of the ceremony, admission opened and students began enrolling.  Allama Sayyid Hafiz Farooq Shah (Birmingham, UK) leading a short prayer for the success of this new project of Jamia Al-Karam On Monday 6 October 2008, classes officially began with a thought provoking welcoming address by the Founder & Principal of Jamia Al-Karam. Shaykh M I H Pirzada commented: “My dear daughters! Today is an important day in the history of the Ahl al-Sunnah in Great Britain, upon which the first dar al-‘ulum for female students has been initiated. You are very fortunate since Allah (Most High) has selected you for the knowledge of the glorious Qur’an and this is no trivial honour. “The first teacher of the glorious Qur’an is Allah (Most High) and the first student is Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace). In the commentary of Surah al-Rahman of the glorious Qur’an, the people of knowledge write that Allah (most High) taught the knowledge of the glorious Qur’an to the noble Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the noble Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) taught the knowledge of that glorious Qur’an to his faith community. Therefore, studying and teaching the knowledge of the glorious Qur’an, both are the practices and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace). Furthermore, the noble Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not only teach the knowledge of the glorious Qur’an to men, but also to women and in the service of this knowledge, women just like men notably contributed to such an extent that the elders amongst the Prophetic Companions (Allah be pleased with them all) used to resort to the Mother of the Believers ‘Ai’shah (Allah be pleased with her) and Asma’ bint Abi Bakr (Allah be pleased with her) in understanding difficult issues of the glorious Qur’an.  A moment of contemplation and reflection “Jamia Al-Karam began with a mere five male students in 1985 and most of them are teachers here at Jamia Al-Karam. However, today my heart is more than pleased and content that the beginning of female students at Jamia Al-Karam is with fourteen females and I am hopeful that in the future most of you will serve here as teachers.” I sincerely pray to Allah (Most High) that He accepts the efforts of Shaykh M I H Pirzada and Jamia Al-Karam, and that He showers it with his infinite mercy so that it truly serves His religion and people. Amin. B H Pirzada al-Azhari Vice Principal of Jamia Al-Karam More Photos of the Grand Opening:
------------------------------------------  During the prayer led by Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah al-Qurashi via telephone ------------------------------------------  During the prayer led by Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah al-Qurashi via telephone ------------------------------------------  During the prayer led by Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah al-Qurashi via telephone ------------------------------------------  Shaykh M I H Pirzada overlooking the landscape work in progress ------------------------------------------  Carpet being laid in the new classroom |
