Cleric Emphasizes Developing Religious, Quranic Education among Young Muslims in Georgia
In an interview with the public relations office of the Islamic Radio and Television Union on the eve of the new academic year, Hojat-ol-Islam Sheikh Haji Fayek Nabiov explained the measures, programs, and future prospects of the directorate.
Assessing the current state of religious education in Georgia, he said, “Religious education is a sensitive and strategic issue for us. Raising awareness among the Muslim community in cities and villages and educating future generations with sound religious knowledge are among our main priorities. We have special programs for teaching the Quran and religious and moral education of young people, both in mosques and religious schools.
“At the same time, we encourage students to study science so that they can develop (their scientific knowledge) in a balanced way alongside religious knowledge.”
Emphasizing the importance of teaching the Holy Quran, he stated, “Currently, 700 students are studying in 50 Quran courses under the supervision of the General Directorate of Muslims of Georgia. These courses are held in mosques, religious schools, and even rented places. Our goal is for young (Muslims) in every region and village to (be able to) read the Quran correctly and understand its concepts.
“In addition, we have renovated some religious places to provide a more suitable environment for education, and we even offer online training.”
According to Sheikh Nabiov, the quality of education is a priority for the directorate. “Increasing the number of courses is not enough, the level of education is also important. That is why we hold Quran competitions, seminars and training courses, and even regularly monitor the methodology of Quran teaching.”
Regarding the status of Quran and religious teachers in the Caucasus country, he said teachers are the main pillar of these activities. “They are paid a monthly salary and we have also presented them with gifts as a token of appreciation. This support both raises the morale of teachers and improves the quality of education.”
As for motivational measures for students, he said, “We have sent the winners of the Quran competitions to Umrah pilgrimage and also trips to Karbala and Mashhad. These trips strengthen both the religious motivation and the spirit of the youth. We also organize various excursions and visits in Tbilisi to expand the students’ worldview.”
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He further mentioned the inauguration of the new building of the Imam Reza (AS) Educational Center in Marneuli in southern Georgia and said, “This institution will start its activities in a modern building with full facilities from the new academic year. This great development will give more motivation to students and teachers.”
Sheikh Nabiov concluded his remarks by saying, “My greatest wish is that the young Muslims of Georgia will be a generation that is literate, moral, committed to the homeland, and strong in religious and secular sciences. All our efforts - from Quran classes to supporting teachers and opening educational centers - are aimed at achieving this goal. I am sure that with the unity of the community, we will have great successes ahead.”
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