A Hindu girl determined to become a hafiz

A nine-year-old Hindu girl Hemlata of Khagaul near Patna is determined to become a Hafiz - one who has learnt the Holy Quran by heart.

By Ajay Kumar

Khagaul (Patna), June 20 : A nine-year-old Hindu girl Hemlata of Khagaul near Patna is determined to become a Hafiz - one who has learnt the Holy Quran by heart.

Accompanied by her younger brother Ashish Vidyarthi, Hemlata is undergoing an intricate learning of Urdu and the Holy Quran at the Madrassa Madinatul Uloom, Khagaul.

Her younger brother is interested in understanding the nuances of Urdu while Hemlata has literally pledged to qualify as a Hafiz.

"I read Quran and there is nothing wrong in it. I am also learning Urdu, Hindi and English. Once I grow up, I wish to become a Hafiz," said Hemlata, daughter of Dilip Kumar Choudhary, who works in the Railways.

Even the principal of the Madrassa has appreciated her efforts, although, initially he was taken aback at her intense interest to learn Arabic and the Holy Quran.

"When these two children came to the Madrassa, I thought that they are Muslims. When I asked her name she said 'Hemlata'. I told them that this is not a school but a Madrassa and generally Muslims children are studying here. But her father and the girl were so adamant to seek an admission that I had to given them a go ahead," recalled Maulana Amanullah Qadri, Principal, Madrassa Madinatul Uloom.

A student of fourth standard at Patna's Progressive Public School, Hemlata is so enthusiastic to memorise the Holy Quran that she revises her lessons for long hours at home said Urmila Devi, her mother.

The parents wish that their children should learn the intricacies of all religions. Urmila said: "We wanted to give all kind of knowledge to our children. Hemlata's father and uncle had read Urdu to an extent and wanted the children to pursue the same."

According to the teacher at the Madrassa, it will take four years for Hemlata to become a Hafiz.

ANI