The first all-female batch of students pursuing Diploma Education in Arabic Language (DEAL) passed out from Hidayah-Mesco Arabic Academy, Mangalore, on the occasion of its first graduation day ceremony, which was held on Saturday.The ceremony was held in Indian Medical Association hall, near Milagres Church in the city. On the occasion, 23 female students received their diploma certificates in the 6-month course.

Delivering the keynote address, founder of Hidayah Foundation Khasim Ahmed H K briefed about the mission, objectives and activities of the foundation such as its focus on Arabic language, empowerment of women and providing career guidance for young girls.Speaking on the role of language in seeking knowledge, chairman of Unity Academy of Education, Mangalore, Dr C P Habeeb Rahman said that Muslims were depicted as backward, terrorist, fundamentalists and uncivilised, and had been on the receiving end.

He said that in the field of education, Muslims were the products of madrasa education, with traditional Islamic education and minimal or no Arabic education, leading them to develop an inferiority complex. This product, combined with lack of Arabic language, leads to Muslim neurosis. And the only solution to counter this is to follow the path taught by Prophet Mohammed, he said

Former vice-chancellor of Calicut and Kannur Universities Prof M Abdul Rahiman delivered the presidential address. Joint secretary of MESCO, Hyderabad Dr Wajahath Ali also spoke on the occasion.

Passages from the Quran were recited and translated by students who had completed the course in Arabic language. Few also gave their opinion and insight on the course.Prizes were also distributed to those students excelling in Arabic grammar, pronunciation (Thajweed), Quran translation, Islamic knowledge, English, Psychology, cooking and overall performance.