State-of-the-art conservation hub aims to preserve ancient Qur’anic manuscripts and safeguard Islamic heritage for generations to come.
By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
BORAMA – In a momentous display of faith, unity, and cultural pride, the historic city of Borama witnessed a landmark event on Friday as the Chairman of the ruling Waddani party, Hon. Hersi Haji Ali Hassan, officiated the official groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Hiil Qur’aan Center. The specialized facility is exclusively dedicated to the comprehensive care, meticulous restoration, and long-term preservation of the Holy Qur’an.
A Sacred Trust for the Nation
Delivering a stirring keynote address to a large gathering of community members, Hon. Hersi Haji Ali Hassan emphasized that the project transcends mere construction.
“This center is not simply bricks and mortar; it is a sacred trust we are establishing for our children and their children,” stated the Chairman. “By protecting the divine words of Allah through scientific preservation and unwavering reverence, we are fortifying our Islamic identity and ensuring that the radiant light of the Qur’an continues to illuminate the Horn of Africa for centuries. I commend the visionary scholars behind this initiative and call upon every citizen, business, and philanthropist to generously support this noble cause.”
The Chairman also echoed the profound personal joy expressed by the community, noting that participating in the Xadhig-ka-jarka (ribbon-cutting) ceremony was a deeply moving experience—a culmination of years of planning and collective prayer.
A Vision Beyond the Conventional
The Hiil Qur’aan Center is envisioned as far more than a standard mosque or educational madrasa. Recognizing the vulnerability of aging, hand-written copies of the Musxafka Shariifka (Noble Mushaf) to the region’s harsh, arid climate and natural decay, the Center will operate as a state-of-the-art conservation facility. Planned features include climate-controlled archival vaults, professional bookbinding and restoration workshops, and digital digitization laboratories. This dual approach—physical restoration alongside modern digital archiving—will ensure that both ancient and contemporary Qur’anic texts are safeguarded against loss, damage, and the passage of time.
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Community Unity and Scholarly Dedication
Friday’s ceremony drew a vibrant and diverse assembly, including esteemed local elders, senior government officials, religious scholars, and enthusiastic residents who turned out in large numbers to witness the historic occasion. For Borama—a city historically renowned as a bedrock of East African Islamic scholarship—this groundbreaking fulfills a long-cherished communal aspiration to anchor faith in tangible, enduring infrastructure.
The Chairman reserved special praise for the devoted scholars and custodians who have spent countless nights and days steering this project forward. He lauded their relentless, self-sacrificing efforts (dedaalka nafhurka ah), describing their commitment not as a professional duty, but as a profound spiritual obligation. These scholars view their arduous work as an ongoing act of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), believing that every page they protect will yield eternal rewards, benefitting them long after their earthly lives have ended.
A Lasting Legacy for East Africa
As the ceremonial ribbon was cut and the foundation stone was laid to mark the official start of construction, Hon. Hersi Haji Ali Hassan reiterated his unwavering optimism for the region’s future. Upon completion, the Hiil Qur’aan Center will stand as a radiant beacon of Islamic knowledge, resilience, and cultural identity. Beyond its preservationist role, it will serve as a dynamic educational campus, nurturing a new generation of skilled conservators, expert reciters, and deeply grounded Islamic scholars.
By dedicating such meticulous care to the “Book of God,” the people of Borama—under the leadership of the Waddani administration—are making a resounding statement that their faith is vibrantly alive and rooted in thoughtful, forward-looking action. The project represents a monumental gift to the future, ensuring that the divine revelation continues to inspire, guide, and unite communities across East Africa and beyond for centuries to come.
