Qur’aanic Braille Workshop – Limbe, Malawi – July 2009
All Praise is to Allah (S.W.T.) the Lord of the worlds and Peace and Salutations be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) We thank Allah for giving us the opportunity to conduct our second Qur’aanic Braille Workshop this year in Malawi. Our hosts were the Malawi Union of the Blind and the Islamic Information Bureau of Malawi. During our attendance in Geneva last year for the World Blind Union Conference, Mr. Mohammed Mohyudin who is the President of the Malawi Union of the Blind expressed his desire for Madrassa An-Noor for the Blind to come to Malawi to teach the blind the Holy Qur’aan. He indicated to us that there are no facilities whatsoever for the blind who wish to learn about Islam in his country. Hafez Faisal Mataya and Moulana Riaz Bhana of the Islamic Information Bureau in Malawi generously co-hosted the workshop.
Malawi is an incredibly beautiful, landlocked country. Its natural splendor includes lofty mountains and a spectacular lake. The water is clear and warm. Stunning fish in an array of vibrant colors can clearly be seen swimming and darting smoothly around the submerged rocks in the lake. The people of Malawi are very friendly, hospitable and courteous. Our team of 4 members departed for Blantyre on the 2nd of July 2009.The workshop was conducted at Kanjedza lodge, situated in Limbe, between the 3rd and the 7th of July 2009. Over 35 sighted Ulema from various areas of Malawi, like Mangochi, Nkhota Nkhota, Balaka etc attended. Some of the participants, including gentlemen and ladies were also specialist Braille teachers teaching at secular schools. Approximately 11 blind students attended. On the final day of the workshop, brothers Abdullah Malinga and Abdullah Afaki beautifully read a few verses from the Holy Qur’aan in Braille. Their melodious recitation, after just 5 days of training, brought a tear to every person’s eye. It also reaffirmed Allah’s miraculous promise- that He has made the Qur’aan easy to learn. During our discussions, Dr Hasting’s from the education department of Malawi mentioned that on his travels to clients in various areas of the country, the boot of his car is filled with Braille Bibles sponsored from organizations based in Europe and America. Whenever he meets Muslims they pester him for the Braille Qur’aan. He explained that our coming to their country has given them insurmountable hope. For the first time in their history, they have the opportunity to read the Holy Qur’aan in Arabic Braille. Plans to translate the Qur’aan into the local language of Chichewa also, are under way, Insha Allah. May Allah accept our efforts and reward everybody for their assistance in organizing this workshop. Ameen.
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