For decades, Muslim women in India have engaged deeply with Qur’anic education, though their efforts have rarely received public recognition. With growing awareness and change, initiatives celebrating women’s Islamic scholarship are emerging. Al Manarat’s Qur’an graduation marks an important moment in honouring their learning and dedication.
On January 16, Al Manarat Foundation hosted graduation ceremony for women in Chennai. The event honoured women who have successfully completed a three-year Ta’leem-ul-Qur’an course, encompassing detailed tafseer, word-by-word Qur’anic study, along with comprehensive learning in Fiqh, Tawheed, and Aqeedah.
Addressing the gathering, the founder, Sister Nasreen Ali, reminded the audience of Allah’s words, “O mankind, there has come to you an admonition from your Lord, a healing for what is in the hearts, and guidance and mercy for the believers”(10:57) emphasising that Allah revealed the Qur’an as an admonition for all. She highlighted its role as a source of guidance, healing, and mercy, inspiring to act upon its teachings and urged the graduates to carry this message forward, reminding them that this achievement is not an end, but only the beginning of a lifelong journey with the Qur’an.
Guest speaker Fathima Muzaffar addressed the gathering, sharing her personal journey highlighting how, as a mother, she was able to achieve many things. She encouraged mothers to continue learning while managing their family responsibilities, reminding them that seeking knowledge is a lifelong duty for women at every stage of life.
Reflections and Miracles the Qur’an Brought into Their Lives
Scholars remind us that whatever the Qur’an touches is transformed by blessing. The night in which it was revealed is blessed, the month in which it descended is blessed, and the hearts that receive it are filled with light. The hands that hold the Qur’an are blessed, the tongues that recite it are blessed, and the lives shaped by its guidance are blessed beyond measure.
While speaking with the graduates, they shared how their lives changed after they connected with the Qur’an. They shared that learning the Qur’an brought positive changes in their lives, strengthened their relationship with Allah, and improved their relationships with their family, including parents, spouses, and children. They shared that despite many worries in their lives, learning and understanding the Qur’an helped ease their burdens. Many mothers, despite household responsibilities and starting later in life, learned the Qur’an with dedication and found it deeply meaningful and transformative. Age is never a restriction in seeking Qur’anic knowledge. Despite ongoing health challenges, the Qur’an became a source of healing for them, they added. As Allah says, “And We send down of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers.” (17:82)For them, the Qur’an truly became a source of healing.
“Before joining this course, I did not even know how to hold a pen or write properly. Through this Qur’an journey, I learned to read and write, and today I teach others,” said Naseema, a mother and one of the graduates, describing it as a miracle of the Qur’an in her life.
One of the graduates said that through learning the Qur’an, she gained a clear understanding of her rights, responsibilities, and the true role of Muslim women in Islam, which is often misunderstood by the majority in India.
“While learning Taleem-ul-Qur’an, I witnessed a quiet miracle in my life. The Qur’an didn’t just teach me words, it changed my heart. My thoughts became clearer, my mistakes started feeling heavier, and my connection with Allah became stronger. Situations that once confused me began to make sense through the guidance of the Qur’an. This journey taught me that when we sincerely turn to Allah’s Book, He turns our hearts towards peace, strength, and the right path,”saidKulsum, a student of Al Manarat.
“There was a time when I was surrounded by many problems and felt I would never come out of them. But holding on to the Qur’an helped me overcome those difficulties. Just as Allah helped His servants with His unseen support, I felt that same help in my own life,” said Sabina, a student of Al Manarat.
The Qur’an graduation ceremony was not merely a celebration of academic completion, but a reflection of the Qur’an’s power to change women’s lives. The reflections shared by the students revealed journeys of faith, resilience, stories of hearts finding peace, purpose, and strength through the Qur’an. Their journey reminds us that knowledge of the Qur’an uplifts families, communities and future generation.
The event gave strong message to everyone that the Qur’an changes lives when it is learned and understood. Whatever field or path we follow, connecting with the Qur’an brings clarity.