Mustufa Ahmed Jan and Abdullah Ahmed Jan, aged 17 and 14 respectively, speak to “Hiba” about their journey through their completion of the Hifz of the Quran

1) How old were you when you were enrolled for Hifz classes?

We both were almost 4 ½ years.

2) What were your school and your teachers like?

The facilities were not that bad; however, the teachers were a little more strict than usual.

3) Did you continue with your contemporary education along with your Hifz?

Not initially but after a year or two.

4) What did it feel like to be at a different school compared to other children in your family and among your friends?

Mustafa: The worldly attraction was always there, and I felt kind of backward but that was just temporary.

Abdullah: I was very much satisfied and wanted to excel in the field.

5) Did you ever feel pressured from your parents or did you ever fear that you won't be able to come through the Hifz programme successfully?

No, there was no pressure at all from my parents and neither was the feeling that I won't come through successfully, as I saw some of my friends getting done with it.

6) Did you feel special as a Hafiz, as if you were the chosen one among so many?

Mustafa: Yes, sometimes when I wondered, what I was learning, I would actually come to realize that those were the words of Allah (swt), and that not many people had the opportunity to learn the language and sacred words of their Creator.

Abdullah: Yes, actually I was in love with it, and I used to enjoy reading it. Besides, we used to receive a lot of respect from all our family members, and, Alhumdulillah, because of my good voice, I was always requested to recite something for them or where ever I went.

7) What major challenges did you face, while you were enrolled in the Hifz programme?

Mustafa: I was a little tired at the end of the day, as I also had to continue with my regular studies.

Abdullah: No challenges as such - just a hectic schedule.

8) Upon completion of your Hifz, what were your feelings?

Mustafa: I had this wonderful feeling of achieving the biggest thing in the world, and I was so proud of myself. For some days, I wasn’t actually able to realize the fact that I am done with memorizing Quran. It had always looked like a dream. After opening my eyes in the morning, the first thought that came to me was: I have done it!

Abdullah: So great feelings that I cannot express them.

9) Did you have problems continuing with your contemporary education after your Hifz was completed?

No problems at all - we were always among the best in the class.

10) How supportive are your classmates and teachers in your new school?

Mustafa: There is this concept of Qaris and religious people being the backward and the unfashionable. So when people get to know of me being a Hafiz, they come to a shock - all their basic ideas and old thoughts are just left baseless, and I love proving them wrong. Students treat me like any other child. Initially, the teachers paid more attention to me, but as I had no problems with studies, everything became normal.

Abdullah: Initially, they were not very sure that a Hafiz could catch up also with the contemporary studies. They were also afraid of the wild behavior or bad language I might use. But, Alhumdulillah, I proved all their doubts wrong. They are very supportive in exposing my skills.

11) Did you ever feel isolated because of your extraordinary upbringing?

Mustafa: Not really. It’s just that sometimes I have this feeling of being at a better position than other kids.

Abdullah: Never.

12) How do you stay in touch with the Quran now that you have completed your Hifz?

Mustafa: Recitation and revising of the Quran on daily basis is very necessary, so I do that. Other than that, the Quran is the best music. I recite it where ever I am and in whatever style I want, and believe me - if you really recite the Quran with your heart, it’s beautiful.

Abdullah: I revise on daily basis for an hour, read Surah Mulk at night and, by the grace of Allah (swt), we both do the Imamat of Taraweeh every year. Besides that, my mom teaches me Tafseer of the Quran.

13) What is your message for the youth of today?

Mustafa: Do not follow others, just because of peer pressure. Develop your own opinions and thinking. Follow the words of Allah (swt) and you will get respect, Insha’Allah.

Abdullah: Try to convey the message of Allah (swt) to all and never be ashamed of it. Also, stay away from bad company.