Shafiqur Rahman Says Departure From Sunnah Is Root of Muslim Ummah’s Decline

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that the Muslim Ummah’s present crisis, decline and humiliation are rooted in its departure from the Sunnah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

He made the remarks on Friday while addressing the final examination and award ceremony of the national Seerah reading competition, “Road to Sirah-26,” organized by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir at the Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital.

“Humanity can prosper only by following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” Shafiqur Rahman said. “The study of Seerah should not be limited to receiving prizes or certificates. It must be reflected in our lives.”

He said Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a mercy for the entire universe and creation, adding that his life provides guidance for every aspect of human existence.

“Those who embraced the Prophet’s teachings in the past earned honor and led the world,” he said. “But the main reason for the Muslim Ummah’s current crisis is its departure from Allah’s commandments and the path shown by the Prophet. By abandoning this path, Muslims are facing defeat and have become strangers in their own countries.”

Addressing the participants, Shafiqur Rahman said studying the Seerah had helped illuminate their hearts with guidance. He urged them to view the competition as the beginning of a lifelong journey rather than an opportunity merely to win prizes or certificates.

“The knowledge and talent you have gained should be used for the welfare of humanity,” he said.

13,456 Students Took Part

The final 100-mark examination was held from 10am to 11am, followed by the closing and award ceremony at the same venue at 3pm.

The event was chaired by Chhatra Shibir Central President Nurul Islam and moderated by its Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga.

According to the organizers, a total of 13,456 students registered for the competition across three groups. Group A had 3,582 participants, Group B had 3,197 and Group C had 5,243.

Following the first-round online multiple-choice examination, 635 students qualified for the final round—221 from Group A, 208 from Group B and 206 from Group C.

Prizes were presented to the winners at the ceremony.

In Group A, Khadija Tuban Shara from the Barishal Division secured first place and received a Tk60,000 educational scholarship, books, a crest and a certificate. Shafiqur Rahman later announced that she and her father would also be given an opportunity to perform Umrah.

Raisul Islam from the Dhaka Division won first place in Group B, while Atia Bilkis Tamanna from the Rajshahi Division took first place in Group C. They also received opportunities to perform Umrah, along with books, crests and certificates.

The second-place winners were Talha Zubayer of Dhaka in Group A, Masrat Jahan Ifti of Dhaka in Group B and Shamim Ahmed Sabuj of Dhaka in Group C. Each received a laptop, books, a crest and a certificate.

The third-place winners were Nabil Bin Hossain of Chattogram in Group A, Hamim Ahmad of Dhaka in Group B and Md. Nirob Ali of Rajshahi in Group C. Each received a Tk25,000 educational scholarship, books, a crest and a certificate.

Those securing fourth through 10th place in each group received Tk15,000 each, while those ranked 11th through 25th received Tk10,000 each, along with a crest and certificate. The top five performers from each division also received special scholarships, crests and certificates.

As a special prize, Shafiqur Rahman announced an opportunity for a visually impaired student from the Mymensingh Division who ranked 19th in Group A to perform Umrah with his father.

Speakers Urge Broader Practice of Seerah

In his address as chair, Chhatra Shibir President Nurul Islam said the purpose of studying the Seerah should not be limited to winning prizes or certificates.

“The real objective is to incorporate the complete life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) into our personal and family lives,” he said.

He added that the liberation and progress of the nation depend on learning and implementing the Prophet’s complete teachings.

Nurul Islam also said Islam provides a comprehensive way of life covering personal, family, political and economic affairs, and urged people to embrace the Prophet’s example and spread its teachings throughout society.

Prominent Islamic scholar and educationist Allama Kamal Uddin Zafri said the primary goal of human life should be to live according to the Seerah and teachings of Allah and His Messenger.

Former principal of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa, Zainul Abedin, said the welfare of humanity in both this world and the hereafter lies in the Quran and the life of the Prophet.

Former vice-chancellor of Islamic Arabic University Professor Shamsul Alam said the study and practice of Seerah should not be confined to the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. Rather, the Prophet’s teachings should be incorporated into every aspect of personal, family, social and state life.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Opposition Whip Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan said the Prophet’s life was marked by continuous struggle and that he served as an exemplary father, grandfather, leader and statesman.

“His entire life should therefore be embraced as a model,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Mostafizur Rahman of the Department of Al-Hadith and Islamic Studies at Islamic University in Kushtia, Ababil Hajj Kafela Chairman Abu Yusuf, Chhatra Shibir Central Office Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, and current and former leaders of the organization were also present at the event.

Parents, academics, Islamic scholars and representatives from various professions also attended the program.