Leicestershire, Saturday, 14th December 2024 – Al-Salam Institute (ASI) celebrated its esteemed graduation ceremony for the academic year 2023-24. Held at the Islamic Foundation in Leicestershire during the ASI Winter Retreat, the event was a momentous occasion, bringing together students, faculty, and honoured guests. This year’s ceremony recognised the remarkable achievements of nine Alimiyyah graduates and six students who successfully completed the Ifta specialisation programme under the tutelage of Shaykh Akram Nadwi and Mufti Barakatulla.
The ceremony was chaired by Ustadh Andrew Booso, a respected faculty member, who began the proceedings by setting a reflective and celebratory tone. The evening opened with a beautiful Qur’anic recitation by brother Abu Kawther, establishing a spiritual atmosphere.
Ustadh Akhlaq Choudhury addressed the graduates, reminding them of the immense responsibility that accompanies the pursuit of sacred knowledge. He urged the students to strive for ihsan (excellence) in their studies and interactions, avoid distractions, and remain focused on their greater purpose. His words were both inspiring and practical, offering graduates valuable guidance as they transition into their roles as torchbearers of Islamic knowledge.
Ustadh Abdul Hakeem, in his speech, focused on the critical need for sincerity and humility in one’s journey of service to the Ummah. He highlighted the immense privilege of pursuing sacred knowledge, reminding graduates that this is both a responsibility and a trust from Allah. Drawing from Shaykh Akram’s message to the graduating students, he emphasised the need to continuously deepen their understanding of the faith while remaining relevant to the challenges of contemporary society. He called on graduates to approach their service with empathy, wisdom, and a commitment to building bridges within their communities.
This year, Shaykh Akram Nadwi, ASI’s principal and lead scholar, shared a written message of guidance for the graduates, a heartfelt letter filled with advice to help them navigate the next steps of their journeys as scholars. His message emphasised the role of graduates as the next generation of Islamic scholarship, calling on them to innovate while remaining deeply rooted in traditional principles. He urged them to draw inspiration from great luminaries like Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Ghazali, and Allamah Shibli Noumani, whose relevance and originality shaped their respective eras. Shaykh Akram later addressed the audience with a final speech, in which he congratulated the graduates and reminded them of the noble task ahead: to be scholars who balance tradition and relevance in a modern context. He concluded with a powerful reminder of their duty to serve with responsibility and integrity.
The ceremony proceeded to honour the graduates. First, certificates were awarded to students completing diplomas in Arabic and Islamic sciences. This was followed by the recognition of six Alimiyyah graduates, each sharing their personal journeys and reflections. Among them was Khidr Mohammed, Nayab Raza, Nazmiye Yoku and Tufyal Ahmad. Their stories were an inspiring testament to perseverance and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
The highlight of the evening was the graduation of ASI’s second cohort of Ifta students. Under the meticulous supervision of Mufti Abdul Qadir Barkatulla and Shaykh Akram Nadwi, six students were conferred the title of mufti, authorising them to issue fatwas. The graduates included Mufti Hanif Khan, Mufti Anwer Imam, Mufti Mir Rizwan Ali, and Mufti Abullah Khalid, among others. Mufti Omar Taha, reflecting on the journey, shared his experience of training within the unique framework of the ASI Ifta Programme. He highlighted the focus on understanding the practical realities faced by Muslims today and the responsibility of a mufti to offer clarity, relevance, and spiritual guidance. He also echoed the words of her teachers, emphasising the role of sabr (patience), shukr (gratitude), and taqwa (God-consciousness) in the life of a scholar.
The evening concluded with a celebratory three-course dinner, melodious qasidahs performed by Dr Abdul Latif Aydin and brother Furkan, and a captivating spoken word poetry piece by graduating student Tufail. His heartfelt and thought-provoking words resonated deeply with the audience, offering a unique artistic reflection on the transformative journey of seeking sacred knowledge.
The event closed with heartfelt prayers for the graduates’ success and the hope that they will become beacons of light and benefit for their communities.
Al-Salam Institute extends its warmest congratulations to all its graduates, wishing them barakah in their journeys and success in their endeavours. May they continue to serve as exemplary representatives of Islamic scholarship, embodying both knowledge and humility.
