Twenty-eight female students who successfully completed their madrasa and Arabic language education received their ijazah (scholarly certification) during a graduation ceremony organized by İTTİHADUL ULEMA in Konya.

The ceremony brought together scholars, students, families, and guests to celebrate the graduates' academic and spiritual achievements. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and concluded with prayers after the presentation of certificates and commemorative plaques.

Speaking at the event, İTTİHADUL ULEMA member Mehmet Ali Altun stressed that receiving an ijazah is not the end of one's educational journey but the beginning of a greater responsibility to preserve and spread Islamic knowledge.

"Ijazah ceremonies are among the most valuable traditions of Islamic scholarship," Altun said. "The light that will illuminate the darkness of our age will, by the will of Allah, emerge from these madrasas."

Quoting the Quranic verse, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" (Quran 39:9), Altun reminded the graduates that knowledge carries the responsibility of service.

"You have received your ijazah for the sake of serving the Ummah," he said. "You must convey this knowledge to the people. As callers to Islam, we cannot remain silent or idle. We are entrusted with proclaiming the truth."

Highlighting the historic role of Islamic seminaries, Altun described madrasas as the "spiritual ships" of the modern era, emphasizing that they continue to safeguard authentic Islamic knowledge despite growing moral and ideological challenges.

"We must protect these ships and strive to place our children aboard them," he said. "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that 'The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets.' A true scholar is one who possesses noble character, fears Allah, lives according to knowledge, and dedicates his or her life to serving the religion."

He urged the graduates to embody Islamic ethics, practice what they have learned, and dedicate themselves to the path of Allah.

Addressing the families in attendance, Altun reminded parents that raising righteous children extends far beyond providing food and clothing.

"Our children are trusts from Allah," he said. "Our greatest responsibility is to teach them about Allah, His Messenger, His Book, and His path. Every family should strive to ensure that at least one of their children experiences the atmosphere of a madrasa and receives Islamic education."

He encouraged parents to invest not only in their children's worldly future but also in their spiritual development.

"While we provide them with beautiful clothes, we must also adorn them with the finest garment—the garment of faith," he said.

Altun also drew attention to what he described as the growing moral challenges facing society, calling on Muslims to respond through education, faith, and active service.

"Corruption and immorality are spreading. Every believing man and woman should act like a firefighter rushing to extinguish a blaze. We have a duty to combat disbelief and moral decay with wisdom, and knowledge."

He emphasized that the Muslim community must overcome complacency by returning to the Quran and the prophetic command to seek knowledge.

"Just as the first revelation commanded, 'Read in the name of your Lord,' we too must continue reading, learning, and living our religion. Through knowledge and sincere effort, Allah willing, we will become worthy servants on this blessed path."

The ceremony continued with the recitation of Islamic hymns (ilahis), spiritual performances, and a multimedia presentation highlighting the graduates' educational journey.

Following the presentation of ijazah certificates and commemorative plaques, the program concluded with collective prayers for the graduates, asking Allah to grant them sincerity, wisdom, and success in serving Islam and future generations.

Organizers said the ceremony reflected the enduring role of madrasas in nurturing scholars who combine Islamic knowledge with moral character and who are prepared to contribute to their communities through education, guidance, and service to the faith. (ILKHA)