SRINAGAR, OCT 4: Chief Islamic cleric Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq has called for greater emphasis on moral education and character-building among children, stressing that the values imparted during their formative years will ultimately determine the character of society in the future.
He was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of a Seerah Competition organised by Maktaba Maseel-ul-Ummah in collaboration with the Mirwaiz Foundation at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar. The event brought together a large number of schoolchildren, parents, teachers and organisers.
Mirwaiz, who presided over the ceremony, felicitated the successful participants with cash prizes, mementos and certificates, while appreciating the efforts of students who took part in the competition.
Addressing the gathering, he said qualities such as honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility, discipline and empathy must be cultivated among children from an early age. He observed that children of today would become the citizens, professionals, parents and decision-makers of tomorrow, making character-building an essential investment for any society.
He said the purpose of introducing children to the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ï·º goes beyond learning historical events and facts, as its deeper objective is to enable young minds to understand and practise values in their daily conduct, relationships and social responsibilities.
Mirwaiz further said that several social challenges confronting society could ultimately be traced to a crisis of values, making moral education as important as academic learning. He stressed that character formation cannot be left to schools alone and requires a collective effort involving parents, teachers, religious institutions and society.
Calling for such initiatives to be sustained, he said Seerah-based programmes could help encourage children to translate their learning into responsible behaviour and ethical conduct.
In the Under-12 category, Moomin Shabir of Maktabah Taleem-ul-Quran, Sheeshgari Mohalla, Khanyar, secured first position, followed by Maryam Suhail of Maktaba Meseeh-ul-Ummah, Chandpora, in second place and Sheikh Saliha Fayaz of Darasgah Taleem-ul-Quran, Lar, Ganderbal, in third.
In the Under-18 category, Hadiya Gulzar of Maktaba Taleem-un-Nisa, Nawa Kadal, secured first position, while Arooba Niyaz of Supreme Coaching Centre, Gojwara, stood second. The third position was jointly secured by Iqra Ashraf, Mantashah Shabir, Hammad Jehanggeer, Bisma Gulzar, Sadiya and Mayasar Mushtaq.
The winners received cash prizes ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000, besides mementos and certificates. Girls emerged prominently among the top performers, accounting for a significant share of the leading positions.
Mirwaiz congratulated the participants, parents, teachers, organisers and sponsors, and emphasised that the real success of such competitions lies not merely in securing positions but in transforming knowledge into character, conduct and service to society.
