Mirwaiz Stresses Character-Building Among Children, Says Values Shape Future Society

TKHN Photo / Waris Nissar 

Srinagar, Oct 4: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Sunday stressed the importance of inculcating strong moral values and character among children, saying the values imparted to them today will shape the society of tomorrow.

He was addressing a prize distribution ceremony of a recently held Seerah Competition organised by Maktaba Maseel-ul-Ummah in association with the Mirwaiz Foundation at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar.

The competition witnessed participation from a large number of schoolchildren, with Mirwaiz presenting cash prizes, mementos and certificates to the successful participants.

Congratulating the students, parents, teachers, organisers and sponsors, Mirwaiz said the most important investment any society can make is in the character and values of its children.

He emphasised the need to inculcate qualities such as honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility, discipline and empathy from an early age, saying these values eventually reflect in the society children grow up to build.

“Children do not remain children forever. They become the citizens, professionals, parents and decision-makers of tomorrow. The values we give them today will determine the character of our society in the future,” he said.

Mirwaiz said the deeper purpose of introducing children to the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not merely to acquaint them with historical events and facts, but to help them understand its values and incorporate them into their conduct and relationships.

He said several social problems confronting society today ultimately point towards a crisis of values, making moral and character-building education as important as academic learning.

He stressed that the responsibility for nurturing such values does not rest with schools alone, saying parents, teachers, religious institutions and society must collectively provide children with an environment where good values are both taught and practised.

Mirwaiz appreciated the efforts of Maktaba Maseel-ul-Ummah and the Mirwaiz Foundation in organising the programme and called for such initiatives to be held regularly.

He also congratulated all participating students, saying their efforts to learn about the Seerah deserved appreciation irrespective of the positions they secured.

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 place.

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 of Maktabat-ul-Banaat, Arwani, Bijbehara; Mantashah Shabir of Kanz-ul-Uloom, Gili Kadal, Zoonimar; Hammad Jehanggeer of Supreme Coaching Centre, Gojwara; Bisma Gulzar of Maktabat-ul-Banaat, Arwani, Bijbehara; Sadiya of Maktabah Rehmayia, Bulbul Lanker; and Mayasar Mushtaq of Darasgah Islamia Centre, Batamaloo.

The successful students were presented cash prizes ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000, besides mementos and certificates. Girls featured prominently among the top position-holders, putting up an impressive performance in the competition. (JKNS)