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Bahman (r) and Mohammad Nodoust talking to Iran Daily's Sadeq Dehqan.
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Fatemeh Nodoust and her brother, Mohammad, have developed a keen interest in Qur’an at an early age. They have managed to memorize and recite the Holy Book in five living languages, namely German, English, French, Arabic and Persian since childhood. Their father, Bahman Nodoust, has played a highly supportive role in this strenuous but spiritual task as their main instructor.
Fatemeh is a student of veterinary science at the doctorate level in Tehran University. Mohammad is a senior student of Mechanic Engineering in Imam Hossein (AS) University.
In an interview which was recently held at Iran Daily’s office, Nodoust family provided an insight into their Qur’anic activities.
IRAN DAILY: At what age did you begin memorizing the Qur’an? Do you have any other Islamic activities?
MOHAMMAD: I started memorizing the Holy Book and part of Nahj Al-Balagheh--the maxims of first Imam of Shiites, Imam Ali (AS)--in five languages when I was only seven. I followed in my sister’s footsteps.
Fatemeh began first. When she was able to read verses of Qur’an by heart, I realized that I was interested in getting deep into the Holy Book. Since I didn’t know any foreign languages, my father, who studied in the United Kingdom, helped me commit to memory an English translation of the Qur’an.
FATEMEH: At age eight, when I was a second-grader at elementary school, I memorized some verses of Sureh Momenoun in English. I had already begun learning the Arabic and Persian versions.
Who were your teachers in memorizing the other foreign translations?
MOHAMMAD: Our father’s friends living in France and Germany helped us a lot. We can just recite the Holy Book in these languages, but are not proficient in French and German.
How did your family, acquaintances and instructors help develop your interest in this task?
MOHAMMAD: Obviously without encouragement and guidance of our mother and father, religious leaders and other close relatives, we wouldn’t be standing where we are today.
What were your challenges?
MOHAMMAD: Nothing at all. When you are dealing with Qur’an, you feel no predicaments. It is all pleasure. It thoroughly fascinates you.
What is your view about the role of love in all this?
MOHAMMAD: Like I said: No hardships. All you see and feel is the love for God. With every step you take, you are closer to the Almighty. All you receive is spiritual delight. When you are completely and truly devoted to God, your road is no longer bumpy.
How far you have been successful in adopting your life based on Qur’anic teachings?
FATEMEH: I regretfully have not been absolutely successful in observing the Qur’anic instructions. Qur’an helps develop a person’s talents, especially if you start learning it as a child. It also positively affects your social relations. When several ministers as well as the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei commended us for what we were doing, it revived our spirits.
MOHAMMAD: I haven’t been thoroughly successful either. The Holy Book always guides its followers in the best directions. Look around yourself and you’ll see that successful people have certainly proceeded on the right path. I owe every success I’ve made in my life to Qur’anic instructions--if I failed, that was the times I went astray.
What recommendations do you have for beginners?
MOHAMMAD: Qur’an should be part and parcel of your everyday lives. Don’t think that by spending your time on getting deep into Qur’an, you’ll fail to keep up with other important things. God will help ease your other affairs.
Bahman Nodoust, the father and main teacher of the young reciters, who was present at the meeting, replied to a few questions. Nodoust put a lot of effort into training his children when they were between seven and 11 years old. He has authored two books named ’Selections of Maxims of Nahj Al-Balagheh’ and ’Light of Guidance’ with the help of his son. He believes that his children would one day become promoters of the Holy Book.
What is your feeling when you see your children are successful in learning Qur’an?
Living in an Islamic country gave us an opportunity to teach Qur’an to the children. The initial aim was to help propagate Qur’anic instructions in other countries and in their own languages.
It is unfair that most families, before making children acquainted with the holy verses, enroll them in language classes. They are negligent about the importance of Qur’anic education for kids.
How did you manage to spur your kids’ interest in the Holy Book?
Living in an environment wherein Qur’an was regularly recited encouraged them.
What was the impact of memorization of Qur’an on your family?
Qur’an has brought tranquility to our hearts. A serenity which could never be gifted by wealth and eminence.
What have your children done to inspire other youths to learn Qur’an?
Our aim is to promote Qur’an. Having them show off on television and mass media was not our plan. But after we realized that how deeply and positively can interviews influence the public, we decided to take part in different programs and ceremonies.
