BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

INSTITUT Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah (ITQSHHB) celebrated its third Haflut Takharruj (graduation ceremony) with a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony yesterday.

The Khatam Al-Quran ceremony, held at the institute’s Musolla, feted 17 graduates – seven males and 10 females – who completed their three-year ‘Aliyah Qira’at Diploma course of 2012-2015.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Aziz Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Hj Mohd Yusof told The Brunei Times that he hoped the graduates will maintain their hafazan (memorising and understanding of the Quran) until the completion of their studies.

“My hope is for them to continue and maintain their hafazan which they have obtained at this institution... and to improve their Quran’s memorisation and understanding so that they will become a Hafiz (a person who has memorised the entire Al-Quran) that is recognised by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB),” he said.

The permanent secretary advised graduates to continue their pursuit of knowledge by taking up higher education.

“I advise them (graduates) to pursue their higher studies either in local institutions or overseas,” said Dato Hj Abd Aziz.

Augustian Abdul Hakeem Hj Daniel Alexander, one of the graduates, said he was planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Takhasus Al-Quran and Qiraat in Egypt.

“It has always been my interest to sharpen my Quran reading skills and to further improve my memorisation (of the Quran). I also want to gain as much experience as possible by studying outside Brunei,” said the 21-year-old.

Female graduate Nurul Hamizah Abd Ganim also plans to continue her studies towards obtaining a bachelors degree in Takhasus Al-Quran and Qiraat.

“I’m planning to pursue higher studies at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and I hope to find work at the Islamic Da’wah Centre because I want to apply my knowledge and help others understand the Quran,” said the 22-year-old.

The graduates received their certificates from the permanent secretary. According to ITQSHHB, the Aliyah Qira’at diploma, first offered in 2010, was introduced as an effort by the country to produce more individuals who can memorise the Quran.

Yesterday’s Khatam Al-Quran ceremony was held in conjunction with the graduation ceremony slated for September 3 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The Brunei Times