A Light in the City – Asr

Tetovo, a small city but with a strong presence of traditions, values, morality, and religious culture! In the city of Tetovo, Mexhlisi Asr had its beginnings in 1984.

Since its founding, this organization has remained steadfast in its mission to preserve core values and educate future generations with integrity and purpose.The establishment of this organization was not simply an organizational act, but a sacred mission. With unwavering determination, this organization became an inspiration to many young people, guiding them towards the path of knowledge and piety.

What exactly is Mexhlisi Asr and what are its activities?

Within the framework of this organization, various activities are ongoing!

One of the most important projects is the Hifz Center “Mulla Mahmud Ef. Asllani”. This center is dedicated to learning and memorizing the Quran (hifz – is the process of memorizing the Quran). In this center, hundreds of students are dedicated to learning the Quran, and to date this center has succeeded in producing many memorizers of young ages!

Within the framework of this organization, many different activities are also active.

In the premises of Mexhlisi Asr in Tetovo, weekly lectures are organized on various informative and educational topics. These events are aimed at young people as well as individuals from different backgrounds, featuring lecturers from both the country and abroad to help spread knowledge. In 1995, Mexhlisi Asr founded the “Asr” publishing house, which is still active in publishing books from various literatures.

During the month of Ramadan, Mexhlisi Asr has organized the traditional “Knowledge Quiz” for many years. One of their projects is also the dormitory which houses students from different countries! So, this place is a comprehensive organization with the sole mission of educating youth!

For you, dear readers, I have made an interview possible with the creator of this organization, the esteemed theologian Abdurahman Asllani.

Regarding the formation of this organization, he said that “as difficult as the beginning was, it was also fraught with various challenges, but knowing that we were working towards a fruitful educational future, this motivated us!”

“The activities of Mexhlisi Asr are numerous because for years we have been contributing in this direction, mainly with young people and their education.”

He also stated that: “Previously, young people were more interested in making their contribution, while recently we have had a weaker interest!

For the self-awareness of young people, we provide weekly lectures so that the young people of our country can use their intellectual potential in their country here, in Macedonia, and be the ones to create a future. Young people have a very important role for our organization!”

One of their main activities is helping people that are in need, he said that they have more than 30 families that they help monthly throughout the year.

He stated that “we organize many activities, we have over 30 families that we supply throughout the year, and during the month of Ramadan we possibly have even more.”

One of the most important topics for this month is the month of Ramadan and the impact of this holy month on the spiritual feelings of every believer. Regarding fasting and its meaning, theologian Abdurahman Asllani expressed himself in this way:  “Ramadan is a very favorable opportunity given to every believer, because God rewards his servant without measure! Fasting is not just not eating and drinking, but the whole body with all its limbs must fast.

God has made fasting obligatory for us, so that through it we may attain piety, not just stay hungry and thirsty.”

We also had the honor to hear from the students of the “Mulla Mahmud Ef. Asllan” hifz center about their experience in Mexhlisi Asr.

Ensar I. stated: “I am a student at the “Mulla Mahmud Ef. Asllani” hifz center and I am also a student for hifz. It is a difficult process at first, but over time it becomes easier. But it requires dedication and determination. As for my activism in Mexhlisi Asr, in addition to various religious, cultural and educational knowledge, I have also gained various experiences. Experience in community engagement, event organization, and educational outreach, all while contributing to a meaningful cause.!”

Amra A. also a hafiza from the center of hifz also gave us a statement about her journey, she said: “The hifz process is a process that has taken me a long time, almost five years. But, everything has its pros and cons. During this process I have benefited a lot.”

Semir Sh. said that: “Mexhlisi Asr has a very positive impact on the cultivation of religious and cultural values ​​in the city of Tetovo, especially among young people. We benefit greatly from the lectures and every activity in the Mexhlis.”

Behare A. stated that: “Mexhlisi Asr is a place that aims to unite Muslims, it is a place of unity and kindness. In Majlis we are all for one, one for all!”

This is the Asr organization, a light in the city of Tetovo with knowledge and devotion to educate the youth.