Parents in Abu Dhabi can take their children for Quran lessons at various mosques and Quran memorisation centres in the Capital during the summer holidays. The General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) is conducting free Quran lessons for schoolchildren in 198 mosques and Quran memorisation centres across Abu Dhabi as part of its summer holiday programme for children.

The lessons for children aged between six and 18, are conducted daily from 4pm to 7pm. Registration of pupils have started and will continue until July 27. The authority is also providing free transport to the children to the Quran memorisation centres and back home.

Muslim parents have been told to use the opportunity and register their children for Quran lessons so they can utilise their holiday well. The Awqaf officials said Quran reading and recitation skills will benefit the children in future religious aspects in addition to using their leisure time for useful purposes.

"Teaching children how to recite and memorise the Holy Quran during the holidays is such a brilliant initiative," Mohammed Khalid, a Palestinian residing in Khalidiya, told Khaleej Times. "Summer activities are beneficial and useful as they sharpen their talents and learn what works for them."

Another parent, Hassan Al Soweid, an Emirati and resident of the Mushrif area said he has already enrolled his three children in the programme. "It's really a very important and useful programme for our kids, both religiously and socially.

"Besides learning and memorising the Quran, children also learn social manners and Islamic discipline. The programme also helps the children not to be redundant as they have a lot of free time during the summer holiday."

For Indian father Mahmoud Khan, he has just learned about the memorisation programme from a friend. "My friend told me about the Quran teaching programme this week. I intend to register my kids, aged six and eight. I want them to learn at an early age. Besides, they have a chance to mix and interact with other Muslim children attending the Quran lessons."

The programme is meant to help school students better memorise and recite the Holy Quran, understand its meaning and principles, so it can help guide them in their daily lives and also become responsible and God fearing citizens.

The Awqaf runs and supervises the Quran Memorisation centres across Abu Dhabi and students at these centres are instructed in Quranic sciences, the rules of holy Quran recitation, the prophet's traditions, and the Islamic etiquette. They are also instilled with the love of God, His Messenger, their motherland and its leadership.

Source: Khaleej Times