A Day Illuminated by Knowledge: The Joy of Ijazah for 318 Students

October 19, 2025

Ijazahs

A Day Illuminated by Knowledge: The Joy of Ijazah for 318 Students

19
Oct

All praise belongs to our Lord, who bestows knowledge and wisdom upon His servants.

On October 19, 2025, our foundation held a grand ijazah ceremony for a total of 318 students who completed their studies in the fields of Specialization in Kalam (Islamic Theology), Arabic and the Islamic Sciences and Hifz (Qur’an Memorization). This blessed day was filled with the light of knowledge, the blessing of the Qur’an and the warmth of brotherhood.

Our ceremony was honored by the presence of our Sheikh Ahmed Fikri Dogan Efendi (may Allah sanctify his secret), Honorary President of our Foundation, Mahmut Eren Hocaefendi, many esteemed scholars, the families of the graduating students, and many brothers and sisters from our community, who bore witness to this blessed moment.

Allah Almighty says:

“O you who believe! When you are told, “Make room” in gatherings, make room, and Allah will make room for you. And when you are told, “Rise up,” then rise up, and Allah will raise those of you who truly believe and those who have been given knowledge to high ranks. And Allah is fully aware of what you do.” (al-Mujadila, 11)

The science of Kalam is a discipline that strengthens faith by explaining the foundations of belief through rational and scriptural evidence. In the Ottoman madrasas this science was taught under the guidance of reason and with the submission of the heart, and students learned to grasp the truths of faith with both mind and heart.

Arabic and the Islamic Sciences are the backbone of the madrasa tradition. The Arabic language is a key that opens the door to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, while the Islamic Sciences lead one through that door and into the depths of wisdom. In the Ottoman method of instruction, these sciences were passed on not merely as information but as a process of upbringing blended with good manners.

Hifz is not just memorization; it is a lived devotion. A hafiz who has engraved the Qur’an on his heart carries it in his voice, his character and his service. Every hafiz who carries the light of the Qur’an in his heart is a source of mercy for the Ummah.

By the grace of our Lord, our madrasas continue to carry on this age-old tradition of knowledge and to help our students grow both intellectually and spiritually. This ijazah ceremony is a harvest day full of the fruits of knowledge, and a sign of a new beginning on the path of service.

We thank all the scholars, students and families who took part in this blessed day, and all the brothers and sisters who stood with us through their sincere prayers.
May our Lord make these services pleasing to Him, and make our students beneficial to the Ummah through knowledge, wisdom and sincerity.

“Knowledge is the light of the heart; whoever learns it for the sake of Allah reaches the truth.”