Brisbane, Queensland – Every Sunday morning, a dedicated group of families makes their way to the Holland Park Mosque to attend a unique and enduring educational gathering: Imam Uzair’s weekly Tafsir class. Starting promptly at 10:15 AM, this gathering stands out not just for its devotion to understanding the Qur’an, but for its remarkable longevity.

According to Imam Uzair, what makes this weekly session truly special is its continuous run for an incredible 17 years. He believes it may be the longest running tafseer (Qur’anic exegesis/interpretation) class in Queensland, if not all of Australia.

This family-oriented class is open to anyone interested in learning tafseer. Only sincere commitment to learn needed.  

The journey began quietly in August 2008 at the private residence of Dr. Zulkifli Nikwan. The first class was an introduction to Sūrah Al Fātiḥah (Chapter 1) of the Qur’an. As the class grew in popularity, the need for a larger space became clear, prompting the move to its current venue at the Holland Park Mosque in 2015.

The initial classes proceeded sequentially, covering the Qur’an up to the end of Sūrah Yūnus (Chapter 10) by mid-October 2013. At this point, Imam Uzair proposed a strategic shift in the study plan.

The group temporarily skipped forward to Juzʼ 30 before continuing in descending order to Juzʼ 26. This non-sequential study plan was adopted because the later parts of the Qur’an have shorter suwar (سُوَر – plural of Sūrah), allowing participants to cover complete chapters more quickly before returning to the longer ajzāʼ (أَجْزَاءْ – plural of Juzʼ) beginning with Sūrah Hūd (Chapter 11).

• 27th October 2013: The class began the study of Juzʼ 30 with Sūrah An-Nabaʼ.

• 18th December 2022: The class completed Juzʼ 26, ending with Sūrah Qāf (Chapter 50).

• 5th February 2023: The class resumed the chronological sequence, starting with Sūrah Hūd.

As of the writing of this article, the class is currently delving into Sūrah An-Nahl (Chapter 16). With only 29 suwar remaining, the end is now in sight for this monumental, multi-year undertaking.

This long-running class has not only educated participants in the deeper meaning of the Qur’an but has also served as a focal point for the many families of Malay community in south of Brisbane. Families have grown up with this weekly gathering, with some of the children who first attended now starting families of their own. 

May Allāh SWT bless Imam Uzair for his efforts in researching and delivering his tafsīr lectures with such great detail and depth. 

May Allāh SWT bless Dr. Nikwan and his family for their steadfast support and bless all the families and children who have come together over the years to learn the words of the Qur’an.