From the very first day, all students and our lecturer gathered in a circle (majlis) at the main Masjid. There was a sense of calm and readiness as we sat down, waiting to begin our journey in Usrah 2. Our facilitator for this course was Sidi Imran bin Mohd Najib, and his presence felt welcoming and warm.

Before anything else, he requested five students to perform Tilawah Al-Qur’an, with each student reading one page. I was honored to be one of the students chosen to read aloud. This created a serene and spiritual atmosphere that prepared our hearts for the lessons ahead.

This moment of introduction was more than just getting to know names—it was the beginning of building a community, a mini-ummah within our circle, united by a common goal: to grow in faith and understanding.

Sir Sidi Imran then posed a question that sparked thought and reflection:

“Why do we begin the majlis with Tilawah of the Qur’an?”

Various students gave their answers:

“It brings barakah to our session.”

“It is one of our duties before beginning a majlis.”

“It sets the spiritual tone of the gathering.”

All the responses were valid and meaningful, but Sidi Imran provided us with a deeper, more powerful answer:

“Because it reminds us of our iman.”

Through his explanation, we learned that *reciting the Qur’an is not merely a ritual, but a reminder of our spiritual purpose. It reconnects us with:

The core values of Islam

The importance of knowledge

The need to strengthen our faith (iman) in Allah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)

Reciting the Qur’an is also a sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), who would always begin his gatherings with its words. Thus, Tilawah is not only for barakah, but also a way to reflect, reset, and remember why we are here—to seek knowledge, build character, and deepen our connection with Allah.

Sidi Imran reminded us that the Qur’an is the foundation of all Islamic knowledge. It is through this Divine book that our Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) guided humanity, taught values, and built a just society.

He highlighted how the Prophet’s journey began not with weapons or political campaigns, but with *the command from Jibril (عليه السلام)*:

> "Iqra" – Read.

This shows us the importance of knowledge as the first step in building the Muslim ummah. Learning is not just for academic credit—it’s part of a divine mission.

Alhamdulillah, our Ummah still carries this legacy today. Despite challenges, we continue to uphold the values of seeking knowledge, sharing beneficial reminders, and striving to improve our iman.

Through *Usrah*, we are reminded that:

* This course is not merely an academic requirement.

It is a spiritual journey.

It is an opportunity to revive the sunnah, reconnect with the Qur’an, and strengthen our bond as a community.

As students of Islam, we are entrusted to carry forward this legacy—not just for ourselves, but for others around us.

I am grateful to be part of this journey, and I pray that through Usrah 2, I continue to grow in knowledge, sincerity, and commitment to spreading Islamic values.

> "Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright."

> — (Surah Al-Isra, 17:9)