BARAMULLA: Eight Huffaz-e-Quran and two Molvi students were honoured during the annual congregation and Dastar Bandi ceremony of Dar-ul-Uloom Qureshia Sheeri on Saturday, where Islamic scholars emphasised the importance of unity, education, character building and peaceful coexistence.
The event, held at the seminary in Sheeri, drew a large gathering from Sheeri, Narwav and adjoining areas. The congregation marked the completion of Quranic memorisation by eight students and religious studies by two others, who were felicitated with certificates and traditional turbans amid prayers for their future.
Several prominent scholars addressed the gathering, including Moulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi, Peer Abdul Hamid Haqani, Moulana Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Naqeeb, Mufti Qamar-ud-din Owasi, Mufti Shakeel Ahmad Sakafi, Moulana Ishaq Ahmad Nizami and Moulana Tariq Ahmad Mishbahi, the Mohtamim of Dar-ul-Uloom Qureshia Sheeri.
Speakers urged Muslims to strengthen their connection with the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) while responding to contemporary social and educational challenges.
Addressing the gathering, Moulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi stressed the need to promote peace, harmony and social responsibility, saying Muslims should reflect the values of compassion, tolerance and service through their conduct.
The scholars also cautioned against sectarian divisions and called for greater unity within the community. They said religious education should be complemented by contemporary learning to enable young people to contribute effectively in different fields.
Moulana Tariq Ahmad Mishbahi urged youth to pursue professional and modern education alongside religious studies, saying balanced learning was essential for personal growth and societal progress.
Several speakers highlighted the importance of character building, honesty, discipline and respect for parents, describing these values as central to Islamic teachings.
The scholars said communities could achieve progress only through education, unity and peaceful coexistence, and urged people to invest in the upbringing and education of future generations.
The congregation concluded with special prayers for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere.
Dar-ul-Uloom Qureshia Sheeri is a prominent religious institution in the Sheeri-Narwav area and regularly organises annual congregations and Dastar Bandi ceremonies focused on religious education and community welfare.