Madrassa An-Noor for the Blind's Exhibition at the WBU_ICEVI 2012 Conference - Bangkok, Thailand
All praise is due to Allah (SWT), the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and salutations be upon our Beloved Prophet Nabi Muhammed (SAW). We were present at the World Blind Union - International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment 2012 General Assembly which was held at the Imperial Queens Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on the 12 – 16 November 2012. This conference was attended by every major organization and company associated with the Blind and visually impaired globally. The conference was opened by her Royal Highness, the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. On behalf of Madrassa An-Noor for the Blind, our ex-graduate Moulana Islah Busakorn of Thailand, presented Her Highness with a copy of the Holy Qur’an and a beautiful mohair blanket from South Africa. The Princess gracefully accepted the gift and showed great surprise upon hearing that he studied at a ‘Madrassa’, ‘for the Blind’ and in ‘South Africa’. As an institute, Madrassa An-Noor for the Blind has been established to enable the visually impaired to learn and know about Islam. We have spearheaded an international campaign to remove the scourge of illiteracy (not knowing how to read and write) that is still prevalent amongst many millions of people around the world even in this age of information and technology. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has strongly advocated education for all. He has said that the seeking of education is compulsory on every Muslim. Ironically, in the field of literacy the Blind have a distinct advantage over their sighted peers when it comes to learning to read and write the script of another language. A sighted person who can read English or who can only understand the Roman script would not be able to read the Chinese and Arabic script. Paradoxically, this is where the Blind are superior. Braille is a coded language of dots based on phonical notations. For example, the sign for the Arabic letter ‘baa’ and B in English is the same, as would the sign for ‘Laam’ be to the letter L. In this way, it is very much easier for the Blind to crisscross among the many scripted languages of the world. UNESCO statistics indicate millions of Blind adults, children and more especially woman globally, who are illiterate. Since the majority of the population in these areas is Muslim, the Madrassa can relate better to them culturally and be sensitive to their needs by our Braille literacy programs. We believe that in teaching a Blind person to read the Arabic script, our Blind friends would be easily able to access broader fields of learning in History, Arts, Science, Technology etc. thereby promoting culture, understanding, harmony and peace around the world. As simple as it sounds, the ‘Noor-ul-Qur’an’ Primer is the key to this enlightenment. Our visitors at the stand were given delicious nougat and perfume. We presented delegates and visitors with audio Qur’ans and other literature. Many of our visitors were amazed to hear the Qur’an being recited melodiously by Moulana Islah. A young Muslim sister by the name of Amina from Thailand stated that her dream was being fulfilled by being taught to read the Holy Qur’an in Arabic Braille. Another elderly Muslim brother, Yahya, was brought to tears when he felt the Holy Qur’an in Braille and said that it was his wish to be able to read the Qur’an. A friendly exhibitor from the USA who is married to a wonderful blind lady, Gayle, expressed astonishment to hear the Hadith of the Beloved Prophet (PBUH): Whoever leads a Blind person for 40 steps, paradise is certain upon him. He requested a written confirmation of this prophetic saying. His wife confirmed that her husband was definitely worthy and befitting of this prize because of his devotion and loving dedication to her. With belief in Allah and his Beloved Prophet (PBUH), Islam offers great prizes at easy prices. Alhamdulillah. Every day brought in people from all walks of life and perspectives who expressed their astonishment and gratitude for the service that it is being provided to the blind wishing to learn and know about Islam. Moulana Abdullah Ismail Patel, the ex-rector of Daarul Uloom Falah-e-Darain, Tadkheshwar also graced us with his presence and Du’aas at the conference. May Allah accept our efforts and grant us sincerity and continuity to remain steadfast in our mission to help the Blind. Ameen. We humbly request your Du’aas.
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