Saylani offers training to bank employees, seminary students

KARACHI: Saylani Welfare International Trust has offered to provide Islamic banking training to bank employees across Pakistan and students of religious seminaries, with a view to promoting Shariah-compliant financial education and developing skilled professionals in the sector.

The announcement was made by Saylani founder and Chairman Maulana Muhammad Bashir Farooq Qadri at the concluding ceremony of the Qur’an recitation and Azaan competition, jointly organised by Saylani Welfare and Darul Uloom Memon at New Memon Masjid, Bolton Market, Karachi, on Sunday.

Former federal finance minister Miftah Ismail attended the event as chief guest, while Dr Mufti Imran Shami and Bilal Bashir Qadri also addressed the gathering.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ismail said New Memon Masjid had deep family ties, as his grandfather was among those who laid its foundation. His father subsequently served as its administrator, followed by his uncle, while his elder brother currently serves as a trustee.

He praised Saylani Welfare and Darul Uloom Memon for organising the competition, saying religious institutions were playing an important role in nurturing scholars capable of guiding future generations. He also stressed the need for Qaris from the Sunni community to establish their recognition internationally.

Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri said Saylani and Darul Uloom Memon were contributing to both religious education and Islamic banking. He said he had offered the State Bank of Pakistan governor and deputy governor to facilitate Islamic banking training for their staff through the two institutions, adding that the governor had responded positively.

He said Saylani had developed its own Islamic banking specialists, several of whom were serving as Shariah advisers at Pakistani banks. He described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening Islamic finance expertise.

Qadri said the organisation aspired to see graduates of educational institutions and religious seminaries occupy the country’s highest leadership positions.

He said Darul Uloom Memon had emerged as an important institution in promoting Karachi’s Islamic identity.

At the conclusion, nine students were declared outstanding performers from more than 2,800 participants. They received cash prizes worth millions of rupees, while distinguished guests were presented with commemorative shields. -PR