Latest news with #memorization
Times of Oman
13-07-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Monday column: Do we still need to read books?
I walked in a college's library and there were at least a 100 hundred students in it. Then I looked at the shelves that had a few thousand books gathering dust. A short walk to the librarian confirmed that students never borrow books. They go to the library to memorise their class notes so they could pass the exams. Some, use the library to socialize and plan a day out. In defiance of their attitude, I browsed a few titles and picked one that fitted my mood. I settled myself on the sofa and started reading the opening chapter. I lost myself in the next forty minutes mesmirised by the flow of words, the clever phrases, the stirring of emotions and the touching gestures of its characters. When I put down the book, it was as if I abandoned people I had known for years. Before I left the library, I looked at the students again. The one who was nearest me looked up at me and asked,' Sir, is everything alright?' I think she caught the mood on my face. I mumbled something to assure her that everything was okay and left quietly. I cast my thoughts years ago when I was only 12. To say books were a second nature to me would be an exaggeration. I breathed on the sentences I read, I smelled the dampness of the old covers and heard every rustle of the pages I turned. When I was tired of reading, I would rest the book on my stomach, closed my eyes only to pick it up again minutes later. A book to me was a time transporter, a vehicle to unreachable places, a float above the clouds and I could also touch the rainbow on the sky. I do not understand why youngsters of today find no use of literature. No wonder they cannot express themselves on a simple thing. It is not about reading words and learning to write a decent sentence but a book goes beyond a delightful read. It is about learning other people's cultures, the innermost emotions and how to cope with similar situations in real life. Nothing is really fiction when it has been printed in a book. Every word written in a novel reflects real people from the world of imaginary characters. It is not just fiction I buried my nose in. I used to read biography of famous people, too. Through reading, I walked the same difficult paths with them , enjoy the same views from the tallest peaks of the world, crossed the pacific and felt their pain or joy in their emotional rollercoasters. By the time I reached my late teens, reading had prepared me mentally what to expect in the adulthood years that were waiting for me. The teenagers of today miss all that. They enter their adulthood unprepared. They do not know how to turn disappointments into triumph or tame their feelings in a difficult moment. Above all, they cannot relate to each other and end up breaking up friendships because they would not know how to tolerate each other. I would not be exaggerating either when I say young people today do not know how to fix their marriages when it is heading for the rocks. In workplaces, they end up doing badly and miss promotion opportunities because they lack the communication skills. It may only mean that reading, sometimes, may well be a matter of failure and success in life. But having said that, maybe it is not entirely their fault. Parents who do not read raise children who would not read. Teachers also should take some of the blame, too. No point of having libraries if they do not instill enough values in their students to read. In conclusion, reading is simple a torch that shines to the hidden intellectuals of growing up children. It is a pity they don't know about it.
Khaleej Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Young memoriser: Meet 15-year-old UAE resident who learned the Quran by heart in 2 years
At just 15, Muhammad Huzaifa has already achieved what many only dream of, he memorised the entire Holy Qur'an in just two years, continues to win awards in the UAE, and has now made the country and his community proud by winning an international Quran competition held in Portugal. Originally from Pakistan and a resident of Al Ain, UAE for the past 12 years, Huzaifa recently secured third place at the international Quran competition held at the Central Mosque of Lisbon, Portugal. The event saw participation from 148 contestants from across the world. Huzaifa competed against 26 others from 7 countries under the evaluation of a respected panel of judges from the UK, the US, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. A student of Grade 8, Huzaifa balances a demanding routine between academics and his Quran studies. He attends school in the morning and continues his memorisation journey in the afternoon at Markaz Abu Bakar Siddique Quran Memorization Centre, run by AWQAF in Al Ain. 'I started memorising the Quran when I was 11, and I finished in just two years,' said Huzaifa, recalling his journey. 'I didn't find it hard, I enjoyed every part of it. My teachers and parents supported me every day, and I was blessed with a strong memory and a love for the Quran.' His parents, especially his father Mr Muhammad Usman Farooq accompanied him to Portugal for the competition. 'It was a proud moment for all of us,' said his father. 'Seeing your child stand among international participants and represent not just Pakistan, but also the UAE, is a blessing.' Huzaifa's melodious recitation has captivated many judges and audiences. Known for participating in nearly 20 competitions a year across the UAE, his confidence and passion shine through every verse he recites. 'When I was exiting the stage after my recitation in Portugal, many from the audience walked up to me and praised my voice,' said Huzaifa. 'I want to touch people's hearts when I recite. It's not just about memorisation, it's about feeling every word,' he said. Despite his packed schedule, Huzaifa also excels at school. He was recently awarded 2nd Runner-up in Grade 8 and received a Special Recognition Award for his overall academic performance. His two younger brothers and one sister have also begun memorising the Quran, following in his footsteps. Huzaifa shared a message for other students who want to memorise the holy book. 'Memorise the Quran with your heart and keep revising it. Participate in competitions to boost your confidence.'
