Gift Of Knowledge

Introduction

Gift of Knowledge aims to inspire people to seek knowledge and to preserve Islamic Scholarship. In particular, GOK intends to inspire women to revive the rich Islamic heritage of ‘Female Islamic Scholarship’. It is GOK’s intention to support students financially and morally who are proactive, confident, talented and willing to embark upon the journey of seeking knowledge.

Messages:

	Message from Sheikh Said Bouhdifi “The very first Revelation in Islam was about reading. Allah (SWT) says: Read! In the name of your Lord (Al-Quran 96:1). Allah (SWT) has preferred Prophets (PBUT) over other mankind by sending Revelation (Wahi) to them, which is the guidance for mankind. We have to work hard to seek the knowledge of this divine guidance. However, often our financial circumstances does not allow us to learn and teach in order for us to preserve our Deen (Religion). We should spend to support the seekers of knowledge in order to minimise their financial burdens, as Allah (SWT) says: “And spend (in charity) of that with which we have provided you, before death comes to one of you” (Al-Quran 63:10). It is vitally important that we contribute financially, as many seekers of knowledge withdraw from learning due to the financial difficulties facing them, but yet, out of modesty and dignity they do not wish to express or disclose the real reason as to why they are withdrawing and ceasing their studies.”

	Message from Sheikh Fahimul Anam This noble initiative reminds me of our stay abroad while spending some years in the path of seeking limited knowledge, and the financial difficulties we encountered on a daily basis. I sincerely hope that GOK provides opportunities to seekers of knowledge and most importantly, reduces the financial burden which can at some point halt the ambition of many sincere, dedicated and talented male and female students of knowledge.

	Message from Sheikha Selina Ali (Chair of GOK Trustees) It is important that we take up initiatives to support people to make positive contributions in society to raise the standard of the next generation. Fortunately, women naturally make social changes, because of having direct access to their children from the moment they step into this world. In addition to this, women are good at sharing their passion and knowledge with their loved ones, friends, families and the community they live in. For this reason, the initiation of GOK is to support women in particular to advance them in Islamic education. If we can truly help women to achieve their potential by taking care of their financial burdens, then it will be a great contribution for the next generation. If we are far sighted and realistic about the impact mothers have in their children, then without a doubt we will want to invest in them, as an old African saying goes “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation”.