The success of Areeba Umar Hangora and blind student Momin Muaz in Maharashtra inspires young Muslims to value both their faith and the world
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI — Setting an example of dedication to both faith and education, two Muslim students from Maharashtra have achieved exceptional results in their HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) examinations, pursuing religious studies alongside and, in one case, without the benefit of sight.
Areeba Umar Hangora, a 17-year-old resident of Belassis Road in South Mumbai, scored a remarkable 92% in the 12th standard exams, which she took privately while simultaneously completing religious studies and memorising the Holy Qur’an. Meanwhile, Momin Muaz Muhammad Sharif, a visually impaired student from Bhiwandi, earned an impressive 84%, all while continuing his hifz (Qur’an memorisation).
Both students’ stories have struck a chord in the Muslim community, where balancing religious commitment with modern education is often seen as a challenge. Their success offers a powerful counter-narrative, proving that young Muslims can excel in both worlds, deen (faith) and dunya (world).
Areeba, who completed her SSC (10th standard) in 2023 with a stellar 94% from Anjuman Islam School, chose a less conventional path afterwards. Instead of joining a regular college, she deepened her religious knowledge.
Over the past two years, Areeba completed a teacher’s training course at Madrasa Tarbiyat Al-Bannat, located in Nawab Masjid, Bhendi Bazaar. She is actively memorising the Qur’an at Fine Touch Madrasa, Agripada. She also prepared privately for the HSC exam using Form No. 17, a route often chosen by students not enrolled in formal college programmes.
According to her father, Imran Hangora, Areeba’s focus was clear from the beginning. “Areeba is more interested in religious education. After her SSC, she decided to pursue madrasa studies and joined the teacher’s course. At the same time, she independently started preparing for her HSC from November last year,” he said.
Despite not attending regular college classes, Areeba’s disciplined self-study routine and commitment to her goals helped her earn a distinction with 92% marks. She appeared for her HSC exam at Maharashtra College.
Equally inspiring is the story of Momin Muaz Muhammad Sharif, a resident of Bhiwandi and a student with 100% visual impairment in both eyes. Muaz not only passed the HSC exam with a strong 84%, but also continued his Qur’an memorisation during the same period.
Muaz is the nephew of the late Momin Abdul Qayyum Nazan, a respected name in Urdu literature. His father, Muaz Muhammad Sharif, is a well-known poet and a retired high school teacher. Coming from an intellectually rich and religious background, Muaz has always been encouraged to pursue both academic and spiritual excellence.
Speaking about his son’s achievement, Sharif expressed pride and gratitude. “Muaz has shown that disability cannot stop anyone who is determined. He is blessed with a sharp memory and an eagerness to learn. We encouraged him to keep up his religious studies even while preparing for the HSC,” he said.
Muaz prepared for his exams with the help of accessible materials and assistive technologies, as well as personal dedication and unwavering family support.
The achievements of Areeba and Muaz have been widely praised in their local communities, particularly by those involved in Islamic education and social work. Community leaders say their stories challenge the belief that students must choose between secular and religious education.
Maulana Mohammad Iqbal Qasmi, a religious scholar in Mumbai, said: “These two students are shining examples of what our youth can achieve. Islam encourages us to gain knowledge from cradle to grave. Pursuing the Qur’an studies while excelling in academics is a commendable path.”
Shaikh Arif, an educationist based in Navi Mumbai, added: “Areeba and Muaz have sent a strong message: religious commitment does not mean academic compromise. In fact, discipline learned in madrasa can support a student’s focus in academic life.”
The success of these students reflects a growing trend among Muslims who are seeking to blend traditional Islamic education with mainstream academics. Rather than treating them as separate tracks, families and students are increasingly viewing them as complementary.
Dr. Saeeda Khan, a professor of education, notes: “In today’s competitive world, Muslims who master both religious and worldly knowledge can become leaders in their communities and ambassadors of Islam’s true message.”
Indeed, with young voices like Areeba’s and Muaz’s leading the way, many hope this integrated approach will become more common.
Both students remain humble despite their achievements. Areeba hopes to continue her religious education and also consider options in higher education later. Muaz plans to pursue further studies in literature or Islamic scholarship while continuing his memorisation.
When asked about her secret to success, Areeba simply said: “I just tried to be consistent. I divided my time carefully between my madrasa lessons and my exam preparation.”
Muaz echoed a similar thought: “I did not think of myself as weak. Allah gives strength in different ways. I studied what I could, and I trusted Him for the rest.”
The stories of these two students are more than personal achievements — they are motivational lessons for thousands of other young Muslims who may be struggling to find balance in their lives.
Their message is clear: neither disability nor religious commitment should be seen as obstacles to modern success. With discipline, support, and faith, anything is possible.
