A video showing students at Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr’s Quran memorization center celebrating his birthday and presenting him with a special cake generated widespread reactions.
Comments varied between those who viewed the celebration simply and offered their congratulations and prayers, and others who criticized the occasion.
The differing reactions prompted Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr to explain what had happened.
Mohamed Abu Bakr Says the Celebration Was Spontaneous
Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr explained that the celebration was spontaneous and had not been planned in advance or arranged with his knowledge.
He said that although he is strict with the students regarding discipline and Quran memorization, he appreciated the spontaneous gesture and the affection behind it.
He also noted that many of the students had completed Quran memorization with different recognized recitations and received ijazah from senior scholars.
His Response to the Different Comments
The Islamic preacher explained that the reactions to the video generally fell into three categories.
The first group treated the event simply, offering prayers and good wishes. He responded by praying for them as well.
The second group criticized the celebration but did so politely and respectfully. He praised this approach and expressed appreciation for those who maintained good manners despite their disagreement.
Strong Criticism of the Celebration
He also addressed a third group whose comments, in his view, went beyond criticism and included harsh language.
In response, he emphasized the importance of maintaining good character when disagreeing with others and avoiding insults or personal attacks.
Mohamed Abu Bakr’s View on Birthday Celebrations
In his explanation, Mohamed Abu Bakr stated that birthday celebrations are permissible as long as they are not accompanied by something prohibited.
He presented this as his religious view and said that he appreciated the celebration as an expression of affection and gratitude from the students.
A Message of Appreciation to His Students
Mohamed Abu Bakr expressed his happiness with the affection shown by the students at the Quran memorization center.
He described seeing the results of their work and their progress in memorizing the Quran as a source of great joy.
The celebration therefore became, in his view, an expression of the relationship between a teacher and his students and of the fruits of their shared effort in Quran memorization.
Why did the students celebrate Mohamed Abu Bakr’s birthday?
The students presented him with a cake as a spontaneous expression of affection on his birthday.
What did Mohamed Abu Bakr say about the celebration?
He said that it was not planned with his prior knowledge but that he appreciated the students’ spontaneous gesture.
How did he respond to criticism?
He praised those who disagreed respectfully while criticizing harsh or insulting language.
What is his view on birthday celebrations?
He stated that birthday celebrations are permissible as long as they are not accompanied by something prohibited.
What did he say about his students?
He expressed his happiness with their affection and with their achievements in Quran memorization and recognized recitations.
