Feb 16 β€’ 17:43 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Memorizing the Quran on slate in 2026: The story of the Al-Niass Lighthouse in Libya

Students are committed to preserving the traditional ways of memorizing the Quran at the Al-Niass Lighthouse in Libya, showcasing a significant cultural heritage.

At the Al-Niass Lighthouse in Tajoura, near Tripoli, Libya, dozens of students gather to memorize the Quran using traditional wooden slates and pens, reminiscent of early guilds. Established only six years ago, the center emphasizes the importance of retaining conventional methods in teaching the Quran, which proponents argue is crucial for maintaining Libya's reputation as the 'Country of a Million Memorizers'. This commitment has led to Libyan students succeeding in international Quran competitions.

The Al-Niass Lighthouse is not just limited to children and young people; it also welcomes the elderly and retirees who find solace and productive engagement in its spiritually enriching environment. The center offers evening classes tailored for adults, where they can write in notebooks due to time constraints and difficulties in handling traditional slates. Remarkably, some attendees have successfully completed memorizing the entire Quran with the assistance of the center's scholars, reinforcing the belief that 'knowledge knows no age'.

Notably, the Al-Niass Lighthouse rejects the use of electronic Quranic copies, emphasizing instead a focused, hands-on approach to memorization. This dedication to traditional methods highlights the cultural significance of Quran memorization in Libya, aiming to pass down the values of the past to future generations while ensuring that the traditional techniques remain vibrant and effective in a rapidly changing world.

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