Bandipora, Dec 08: Hafiz Raqib-ul-Hassan, one of the first three students of Alfalah Educational Institute Aragam Bandipora to successfully complete Hifz-e-Quran was on Monday warmly flagged off for Umrah after emerging as last year’s draw winner under the institute’s Quran memorization initiative.
The farewell ceremony, held at Aragam, was attended by several prominent personalities, including Imam-e-Hayi Bandipora Khursheed Ahmad, MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone, SHO Police Station Aragam Mir Kazam, civil society members, and senior officers of the educational institute.
Launched two years ago, Alfalah Educational Institute’s Quran Memorization Programme has quickly gained recognition in Bandipora for nurturing a new generation of Huffaz. Raqib, who stood among the first three students to complete the memorization of the Holy Quran, was selected for the Umrah pilgrimage through a lucky draw conducted by the institute last year.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone hailed the institute’s efforts, saying the initiative has “opened doors of spiritual learning for dozens of young children in the area and created an environment where Quranic education becomes a community responsibility.”
He further said the Umrah sponsorship reflects the institute’s commitment to both academic and religious empowerment.
Chairman of Alfalah Educational Institute, Arif Hussain Bhat, was also praised for his vision in introducing the Quran memorization programme in an area where structured Hifz facilities were limited. Locals lauded the management for providing religious learning, trained faculty, and a disciplined environment for students.
Imam-e-Hayi Bandipora Khursheed Ahmad, while blessing the young Hafiz, said the journey of Umrah “is not just a reward but an honour earned through dedication, consistency, and spiritual discipline.”
The elders, parents, and staff members congratulated Raqib, expressing hope that his achievement will inspire more children to join the Quran memorization programme in the coming academic sessions.
