Empowering Quran Teachers: A Project to Strengthen Tajweed Knowledge and Enhance Teaching Skills
The Train the Trainer program was launched as a free initiative for existing Quran teachers or individuals with a strong foundation in Tajweed. The vision behind the project was simple but powerful: equip teachers with perfect pronunciation and a deeper understanding of the Tajweed rules so they can pass that knowledge accurately to their students.
Maulana Qasim Mehmood Hashmi Sahab, who headed the program, emphasized the importance of refining the teachers first, so they could, in turn, refine their students. He personally supervised the selection process, ensuring that only those who had a fair understanding of Tajweed rules were admitted. The online training lasted for a thorough five months, during which Maulana conducted a detailed exploration of pronunciation, articulation, and all Tajweed rules. It was more than just theoretical training—it was an immersive learning experience.
The Assessment Phase
After five months of intensive learning, it was time for the final assessment. For this crucial task, I invited Mufti Arif Ismail Sahab, a respected Mufti who runs the Madrasa 'Jamia Suffah tul Ansar at Hassan Nagar. Known for his deep expertise in Tajweed, Mufti sahab was the perfect choice to assess the teachers.
Mufti sahab began the session by easing the teachers’ nerves. He reminded them of the beautiful Hadith, "The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it," encouraging them to feel proud of the journey they had undertaken. His approach was both firm and motivating as he meticulously tested the teachers on every aspect of Tajweed. Mufti’s command over the rules was awe-inspiring—his ability to explain each rule with clarity and precision was mesmerizing. It was a sight to behold: teachers deeply engaged in the learning process, absorbing every word Mufti said with reverence.
Mufti sahab's advice to the teachers was simple yet profound: practice until perfection. He urged them to gain confidence in their recitation and to always approach the Quran with humility and devotion. His message was clear—Quranic recitation is not just an academic skill, but a way of life that should be embraced wholeheartedly.
Sabah Quadri Sahiba, the Director of Help HYD, shared words of encouragement, motivating the teachers to maintain their dedication and continue spreading goodness (khair) through their knowledge of the Quran. She also discussed the syllabus, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Quran and Hadith, rather than simply reading the Arabic text. She highlighted the significance of Hadith in building strong character.
Taking advantage of the gathering, I also had the opportunity to address the teachers. My message was centered on the idea that the Quran should be more than just memorized words. It should live in the actions of the teachers, inspire the hearts of the students, and ultimately contribute to the transformation of society. As educators, Quran teachers hold the power to ignite positive change, and this project was a prime example of that potential.
Alhamdulillah, one of the outcomes of this initiative was to provide additional support to the teachers to expand their reach and knowledge. In collaboration with ASCEND, we are offering free training on online teaching platforms, such as Zoom and Google Meet, so that Quran teachers can use technology to teach more students efficiently. The vision is to help them broaden their impact and reach a wider audience.
Following this, in sha Allah, we plan to launch an English language training program for Quran teachers. Language, after all, is a gift from Allah, and mastering multiple languages can help teachers extend their work even further. With English being widely spoken, learning the basics will enable these teachers to communicate better with a global audience and continue their noble mission on a larger scale.
Alhamdulillah, working on this project has been deeply rewarding. Seeing the dedication of Maulana, the expertise of Mufti, and the passion of the teachers was truly inspiring. Their combined efforts have created a ripple effect that will benefit countless students.
I have high respect for Ms. Saba Quadri, Maulana Qasim Mehmood Hashmi Sahab, and Mufti Arif Ismail Sahab—their contributions are helping shape a brighter future by creating better Quran teachers. This initiative was not just about teaching Tajweed—it was about empowering the community with the knowledge and love of the Quran. It’s projects like these that remind us that even small engagements can have a meaningful and lasting impact on society.
Moqheeta Mehboob
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