By: Abdul Razack Gbla
On Sunday, 22 February 2026, Ansar Islamic College in Kissy Dock Yard was filled with spiritual joy as 77 students were honoured for successfully memorizing the entire Noble Quran.
The graduation ceremony, organized by Ummah Welfare Trust under its Quranic Tarbiyah (QT) Project and themed “Nurturing a Quranic Generation,” recognized 56 boys and 21 girls who committed the complete Holy Quran to memory.
Beyond the spiritual milestone, the ceremony highlighted the project’s broader contribution to Sierra Leone’s human and national development. By instilling discipline, literacy, and strong moral values in the 77 graduates, the Quranic Tarbiyah Project aims to cultivate a generation of ethical leaders equipped to serve both their communities and the nation.
Organizers emphasized that the initiative adopts a holistic educational approach, ensuring that graduates are not only custodians of the Holy Book but also productive, honest, and compassionate citizens committed to peace and national progress.
The program commenced at 10:00 a.m. with a moving Quranic recitation by one of the graduates. In his opening remarks, Shaykh Fuad Kamara commended the students for their dedication and perseverance.
Representatives of the Ummah Welfare Trust and the QT Project, including Manager Turay and Shaykh Seray Bah, outlined the rigorous journey undertaken by the students and reiterated their mission to nurture a generation grounded in Islamic values.
Shaykh Jagitay, a senior member of the Quran Department, provided an overview of the technical Tahfidh (memorization) program that guided the students to this achievement.
Delivering the keynote address, Shaykh Faruk Adam Bah spoke on the theme “Living the Quran Beyond Memorization.” He urged the graduates to allow the teachings of the Quran to shape their character and daily conduct, stressing that memorization should translate into righteous action and responsible leadership.
A standout moment of the event was shared by Resource Manager Ibrahim Sorie Barrie, who recounted the story of graduate Saidu A. Kamara. According to Barrie, Saidu’s commitment to his Hifz (memorization) studies inspired his family to embrace Islam, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Quran beyond the classroom.
During the formal graduation segment, students were called individually to receive their certificates and tokens of appreciation an emotional moment that moved many parents to tears.
Alhaji Musa Tarawally delivered an encouraging address, praising the resilience of the students and expressing gratitude to the teachers and donors who continue to support the initiative. The presence of prominent Islamic scholars, including Shaykh Zaki Kallon, further underscored the significance of the occasion for the Muslim community.
The ceremony concluded with a speech from one of the graduates, followed by a heartfelt Dua (supplication) for the students, sponsors, and the wider Ummah. Guests were presented with dates for Iftar as they departed, marking the end of a memorable day for Islamic education and youth development in Sierra Leone.
