Mangaluru, Feb 19: The Iqra Arabic School, Mangaluru, hosted its Aalimiyat Convocation on Monday, celebrating the achievements of students who completed their sacred studies. Held at the Iqra Campus on Kalpana Road, here in the city.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Hafiz Mohammed Zaid Hawaldar, who expressed gratitude to the esteemed guests, scholars, and attendees for their presence. He highlighted the significance of the convocation as a milestone in the academic and spiritual journey of the graduating Ulama, emphasizing their role in upholding and spreading sacred knowledge.

Following the welcome speech, Farhan Nadwi provided an introduction to Iqra Arabic School, tracing its history, vision, and contributions to Islamic education. He spoke about the institution’s dedication to nurturing scholars who are well-versed in both religious and contemporary knowledge, equipping them to serve the community with wisdom and responsibility.

Moulana Ansar Nadwi Madani, Lecturer at Jamia Islamia Bhatkal and Assistant Qazi of Jamathul Muslimeen Bhatkal, reflected on the growth of Iqra Arabic School, stating that what once began as a small plant has now grown into a towering tree, providing immense benefits to society. He emphasized that Iqra is not just an educational institution but a mission and an ideology aimed at spreading the teachings of Islam while also standing against forces that seek to destroy humanity.

Drawing a historical parallel, he compared Iqra to the Suffa, the early center of Islamic learning during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), where dedicated students imbibed sacred knowledge and went on to serve the community.

Addressing the gathering, Mohammed Kunhi of Shanti Prakashana spoke about the challenges faced by Islam in contemporary times. He highlighted that conspiracies are being hatched to weaken the cultural and ethical foundations of Islam, as these principles remain its greatest strength. He pointed out that the media, global superpowers, and various institutions are actively working against Islam, attempting to dismantle its values under the guise of cultural liberalism and neo-atheism.

In this context, he lauded the students of Madrasas, emphasizing that their commitment to studying sacred knowledge and spreading Islamic teachings is a remarkable achievement. "This is an era of Islamophobia," he stated, explaining that when society develops a fear or phobia, it is not the subject of fear that needs fixing, but rather the people themselves. He stressed that Islam does not require any alteration or reform to fit into contemporary narratives; rather, it is the misconceptions about Islam that need to be corrected.

Mohammed Kunhi also underlined the importance of integrating religious education with mainstream professions. "Students who have the potential to excel in fields like law, medicine, and other professions should also pursue Aalimiyat studies," he said, appreciating Iqra Arabic School’s efforts in facilitating such a holistic approach to education.

Ahmed Mohiuddin, Proprietor of Delta Infra Logistics Ltd., Mangaluru, lauded Iqra Arabic School for its dedicated service to Islamic education. He expressed gratitude to Moulana Saalim Khalifa Nadwi and his team for their efforts in establishing the institution in Mangaluru at a crucial time when local students had to travel to Kerala and other regions to pursue religious studies.

"Today, the scenario has completely changed," he remarked, highlighting that students from Kerala, Lakshadweep, and other places are now coming to Mangaluru to study the Quran and Islamic teachings at Iqra. He commended the institution for its growing reputation as a center of excellence in Islamic education, attracting students from diverse regions and providing them with a strong foundation in religious knowledge.

Dr. Mohammed Ismail H, Chairman of Kanachur Health Science Advisory Council, Mangaluru, emphasized the lifelong nature of education, stating that learning does not stop with the completion of any course or profession. He reminded students that the pursuit of knowledge is a continuous journey, urging them to never feel satisfied with what they have learned but to keep seeking more, as enjoined by the Quran.

He expressed his gratitude to the parents who supported their children in pursuing Aalimiyat studies, acknowledging their role in ensuring that the next generation remains deeply rooted in Islamic knowledge.

Dr. Ismail also appreciated the efforts of the management of Iqra Arabic School, commending them for providing quality religious education and fostering an environment where students can excel in their pursuit of sacred knowledge.

Following this, Moulana Saalim Khalifa Nadwi, Principal of Iqra Arabic School, Mangaluru, delivered the presidential address, where he congratulated the graduating students for their dedication and hard work. He expressed gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support, both towards their children's education and towards the institution.

Moulana Saalim reminded the graduates of their responsibilities as Aalims, urging them to embrace their role as leaders of the Muslim community. He stressed the importance of unity within the community and the necessity of spreading love, fostering interfaith harmony, and strengthening relationships with people of all religions.

He also acknowledged and appreciated the continuous support of Syed Mohammed Beary, whose supervision and contributions have played a vital role in the institution’s growth and success.

The event commenced with recitation of the Quran by Mohammed Zeedan while Mohammed Akbar Ali compered the event.

Moulana Dawood Khalifa delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, students, parents, and attendees for making the event a success. He acknowledged the efforts of the organizers, faculty, and staff who played a crucial role in the smooth execution of the program.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Two men were arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls, recording the acts on mobile phones and uploading the videos online as child sexual abuse material, police said on Thursday. 

The accused have been identified as Kiran Kumar (29), hailing from Chitradurga district, and Aditya M K (20), hailing from Shivamogga district, they said. 

A probe was initiated after information was received from the NCRP portal regarding a suspected instance of creation of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) for online dissemination, police said. 

Accordingly, a case was registered at Kaggalipura Police Station under relevant sections of the IT Act on May 10, they added.

Investigation revealed that two minor girl victims were exploited and videos were created and uploaded to the internet. The child victims have subsequently recorded their statements as per procedure and further necessary legal steps have been taken, Pronab Mohanty Director General of Police, Cyber Command, said in a statement.

Based on the statements of the victims, the accused persons, who allegedly assaulted the minors, recorded the acts on mobile phones and uploaded the videos online, were arrested, he said.

Following the probe, sections 65(2) (rape) and 70 (gangrape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant sections of the POCSO Act, have been added to the FIR, police said.

Officials collected relevant information and on May 12, arrested the accused persons and seized three mobile phones belonging to them, in which the videos had allegedly been recorded, he said.

The accused were later produced before the court and taken into police custody for further investigation, he added.

According to him, in CSAM cases, police usually apprehend offenders who have downloaded such content or have kept them in their possession after obtaining them from elsewhere, usually the internet. 

"The present case is one of the very few instances where content creators and uploaders have been apprehended," Mohanty added.