MM Rahmatullah: The final examination and award ceremony of the national Seerat-reading competition ‘Road to Sirah ’26’, organised by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, were held in the capital on Friday, with more than 13,000 students taking part in the initiative aimed at encouraging young people to study the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The final 100-mark examination was held from 10:00am to 11:00am at the auditorium of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB). The closing and prize-giving ceremony was held at the same venue at 3:00pm.

Shibir Central President Nurul Islam presided over the event and moderated by its Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibgah. Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami attended in the programme as the chief guest.

Islamic scholar and educationist Allama Kamal Uddin Jafri, former principal of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah Maulana Jainul Abedin, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and Opposition Whip Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, MP, and former Vice-Chancellor of Islamic Arabic University Professor Shamsul Alam were presented among the other noted guests.  

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

The final results were announced during the prize-giving ceremony, with the top performers receiving scholarships, books, crests and certificates.

In Group A, Khadija Tuban Shara of Barishal Division secured first place. She received a Tk 60,000 educational scholarship, books, a crest and a certificate. Dr Shafiqur Rahman later made a special announcement offering her the opportunity to perform Umrah with her father.

In Group B, Raisul Islam of Dhaka Division became the champion and received an Umrah opportunity along with books, a crest and a certificate.

Atia Bilkis Tamanna of Rajshahi Division secured first place in Group C and was also awarded an Umrah opportunity, books, a crest and a certificate.

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

The third-place winners were Nabil Bin Hossain of Chattogram Division in Group A, Hamim Ahmad of Dhaka Division in Group B and Md Nirab Ali of Rajshahi Division in Group C. Each received a Tk 25,000 educational scholarship, books, a crest and a certificate.

Students finishing fourth to tenth in each group were awarded Tk 15,000 each, while those securing positions from 11th to 25th received Tk 10,000 each, along with crests and certificates. The first five successful competitors at the divisional level were also given special scholarships, crests and certificates.

A special award was announced for a visually impaired student from Mymensingh Division who secured 19th place in Group A. Recognising the student`s academic achievement and determination, Dr Shafiqur Rahman announced an opportunity for the student to perform Umrah with their father.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent by Allah not merely for Muslims or humanity but as a mercy for all creation.

He said the Prophet’s life provides an example for people in every sphere of life, whether as businesspeople, thinkers, philosophers, administrators or judges.

According to Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Muslim societies in the past achieved honour and leadership when they followed the teachings and example of the Prophet. He attributed what he described as the present decline and humiliation of the Muslim Ummah to moving away from Allah’s guidance and the Sunnah of the Prophet.

He urged the participants not to view the competition simply as a means of winning prizes or certificates. Rather, he said, studying the Seerah should become the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement.

He also encouraged the young participants to use their knowledge and talents for the welfare of humanity rather than solely for personal interests.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed the hope that the students would remain committed to their values, become a source of pride for their families and contribute positively to society and the country.

In his closing remarks, Shibir Central President Nurul Islam highlighted the importance of studying the Prophet’s complete life and the social context in which he lived.

He said the organisers had chosen the title ‘Siratunnabi’ rather than focusing merely on ‘Miladunnabi’, arguing that the Prophet’s life is too vast to be confined to commemorative practices alone.

He called on the participants to learn from the Prophet’s complete teachings and apply them in their personal and family lives.

Nurul Islam also spoke about the early Muslims who faced persecution and hardship and highlighted the sacrifices of figures such as Sumayyah (RA) and Ammar ibn Yasir (RA).

He said the Prophet maintained his principles despite intense opposition and argued that Islam provides guidance for different dimensions of human life.

He urged the participants to become representatives of the Prophet’s teachings in their communities and to carry the lessons of Seerah beyond the competition itself.

Allama Kamal Uddin Jafri said the central purpose of human life should be to live according to the guidance and example of Allah and His Messenger.

He called upon the audience to hold firmly to the Prophet’s Sunnah and incorporate his teachings into everyday life.

Former Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa principal Maulana Zainul Abedin said the Quran and the life of the Prophet contain guidance for human welfare in both this world and the hereafter. He urged people to study the Seerah and apply its lessons to their lives.

Professor Shamsul Alam stressed that Seerah study should not be limited to the month of Rabi` al-Awwal. Rather, he said, the Prophet’s example should be reflected in personal, family, social and public life.

He noted that the Prophet transformed a deeply troubled society through his character and leadership and urged students to continue studying his life and teachings.

Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan focused on the Prophet’s struggles in Makkah and Madinah and his reputation for honesty and keeping promises. Referring to the conversion of Ikrimah (RA), he said even some of the Prophet’s strongest opponents acknowledged his integrity.

He also argued that accepting the Prophet as an example requires recognising the full range of his life and responsibilities, including his roles as a family member, leader and statesman.

The organisers described ‘Road to Sirah ’26’ as an effort to encourage young people to read, understand and apply lessons from the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The participation of 13,456 registered students across three groups made the initiative a significant youth-oriented educational programme centred on Seerah studies.

Professor Dr Mostafizur Rahman of the Department of Al-Hadith and Islamic Studies at Islamic University, Kushtia; Alhaj Abu Yusuf, chairman of Ababil Hajj Group; and Shibir Central Office Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad attended the event among others.

Parents, educationists, Islamic scholars and representatives from different sections of society were also present at the closing ceremony.