Photo : BSS

CHANDPUR, March 9, 2026 (BSS) - The century-old Momin Bari Madrasa in Kumurua 
village under Balia Union of Sadar upazila continues to play a significant 
role in promoting proper Quran recitation and Islamic education in the 
region.

Founded in the early 19th century by Qari Ibrahim Khan (RA), the madrasa was 
established with the aim of helping Muslims learn to recite the Holy Quran 
correctly and fluently. Even after more than a hundred years, the institution 
maintains its legacy by offering both short-term and long-term Quran training 
programmes, especially during the Holy month of Ramadan.

During Ramadan each year, people of different ages-including students from 
general education backgrounds-take part in Quran learning sessions at the 
madrasa. The training programme concludes with a special prayer ceremony on 
the 25th of Ramadan, where many devout Muslims gather to participate.

The madrasa is particularly renowned for its Qirat department, which has 
earned recognition both nationally and internationally. Graduates from this 
department are currently serving as teachers in the Qirat departments of 
numerous madrasas across the country.

In addition to Qirat, the madrasa now operates Hifzul Quran and Noorani 
departments, providing local children with opportunities to receive religious 
education in a supportive environment. 

Over the years, thousands of students have successfully memorized the Holy 
Quran and graduated as Hafiz from the institution.

Local resident Md. Jahangir Hossain said the madrasa mosque has become a 
spiritual center for the surrounding communities, where teachers, students, 
and many residents regularly offer prayers.

Masud Khan from nearby Chapila village said that the madrasa has played an 
important role in producing trained imams and maktab teachers for mosques in 
surrounding villages, greatly benefiting the local population in religious 
education and worship.

According to madrasa teachers, the institution offers both residential and 
non-residential learning systems. The Hifz department is supervised by 
experienced Hafiz scholars. This year, graduates including Hafiz Muhammad 
Zubair Hossain, Abu Sayeed, Md. Shamsuddin, and Ashraf Ali led the Khatme 
Tarawih prayers at the madrasa mosque.

The current Muhtamim (principal), Hafiz Maulana Md. Ashraf Ali Khan, said the 
madrasa has continued its long-standing tradition of teaching the Quran 
accurately and with proper pronunciation since its founding. 

Students from various districts of the country come to the madrasa during 
Ramadan to receive Quran education while staying in residential facilities, 
he added.

He also mentioned that, besides the Qirat department, other departments of 
the madrasa are operating with a strong reputation. Students from the Hifz 
department have been leading Tarawih prayers at the madrasa mosque for 
several years, while many Hafiz scholars have historically led Tarawih there 
voluntarily without any remuneration.

Maulana Ashraf Ali Khan called for continued support and cooperation from the 
community to help sustain and develop the madrasa's educational and religious 
activities.