Srinagar, Oct 04 (KNO): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Sunday said that the values taught to children today will shape the society of tomorrow, stressing the importance of character-building alongside academic education.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said that Maktaba Maseel-ul-Ummah, in association with the Mirwaiz Foundation, organised the prize distribution ceremony of the recently held Seerah Competition at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar. The competition witnessed participation from a large number of schoolchildren.
The spokesperson said Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq presided over the ceremony and presented cash prizes, mementos and certificates to the successful students.
Addressing the gathering, Mirwaiz congratulated the students, parents, teachers, organisers and sponsors and said that the most important investment any society can make is in the character and values of its children.
He said that if qualities such as honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility, discipline, empathy and concern for others are inculcated in children from an early age, these values will inevitably reflect in the society they grow up to build.
“Children do not remain children forever. They become the citizens, professionals, parents and decision-makers of tomorrow. The values we give them today will determine the character of our society in the future,” Mirwaiz said.
The spokesperson said this was also the deeper purpose of introducing children to the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—not merely to acquaint them with events and facts, but to help them absorb its values and translate them into their conduct and relationships.
Mirwaiz said that many of the social problems confronting society today ultimately point to a crisis of values, and therefore moral and character-building education must receive the same attention as academic learning.
He stressed that the responsibility for this does not rest with schools alone. Parents, teachers, religious institutions and society collectively have a role in providing children with an environment in which good values are both taught and practised.
He appreciated the efforts of the Mirwaiz Foundation and Maktaba Maseel-ul-Ummah for organising the programme and said that such initiatives should become a regular feature so that children are encouraged not only to learn about the Seerah, but to imbibe its values in their everyday lives.
He congratulated all the participating students, saying that irrespective of the positions secured, their effort to learn and engage with the Seerah deserved appreciation and encouragement.
In the Under-12 category, Moomin Shabir of Maktabah Taleem-ul-Quran, Sheeshgari Mohalla, Khanyar, secured the first position; Maryam Suhail of Maktabah Meseeh-ul-Ummah, Chandpora, secured the second position; and Sheikh Saliha Fayaz of Darasgah Taleem-ul-Quran, Lar, Ganderbal, secured the third position.
In the Under-18 category, Hadiya Gulzar of Maktaba Taleem-un-Nisa, Nawa Kadal, secured the first position, while Arooba Niyaz of Supreme Coaching Centre, Gojwara, secured the second position. The third position was jointly secured by Iqra Ashraf of Maktabat-ul-Banaat, Arwani, Bijbehara; Mantashah Shabir of Kanz-ul-Uloom, Gili Kadal, Zoonimar; Hammad Jehanggeer of Supreme Coaching Centre, Gojwara; Bisma Gulzar of Maktabat-ul-Banaat, Arwani, Bijbehara; Sadiya of Maktabah Rehmayia, Bulbul Lanker; and Mayasar Mushtaq of Darasgah Islamia Centre, Batamaloo.
The successful students were presented cash prizes ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000, along with mementos and certificates. Girls featured prominently among the top position-holders, outnumbering boys and putting up an impressive performance in the competition.—(KNO)