Our Story
Founded by Rohingya. Serving all of Myanmar.
A Legacy of Persecution: From 1784 to Present
The plight of the Rohingya people is not a recent phenomenon. Our history of persecution dates back to 1784, when the independent Kingdom of Arakan was conquered by the Burmese Empire under King Bodawpaya. Thousands of Rohingya were forced to flee their ancestral homes—the first of many devastating displacements. Throughout the centuries, and escalating significantly with the 1982 Citizenship Law, the Rohingya have been systematically stripped of their basic human rights, rendered permanently stateless in the land of their birth.
One of the most insidious tools of this ongoing genocide has been the deliberate and systematic denial of education. For generations, state-sponsored marginalization has functioned to keep our people impoverished and voiceless. Rohingya children were barred from attending state schools, village learning centers were violently shut down, and Rohingya teachers were dismissed from their posts.
Under extreme discriminatory laws and severe movement restrictions, even if a child managed to complete primary schooling in their village, traveling to a town to attend high school or university was made legally impossible. The ongoing violence has further dismantled any remaining infrastructure, forcing countless children into displacement camps where officially recognized schooling does not exist. The erasure of the Rohingya identity extends directly to the denial of their right to learn, read, and hope.
Image showing resilience of Rohingya children learning
Image showing diverse students together
Why "Iqra"?
"Iqra" is an Arabic word meaning "Read". It embodies the first command revealed in the Noble Qur’an, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge as a divine mandate.
When the founders of the Society came together, they chose a name that transcends despair. Iqra represents our core religious duty: to promote Deen, teach the wisdom of the Quran, and nurture noble character among the youth. We believe that true resilience is built upon a foundation of unshakeable faith and comprehensive education.
Our Mission
To promote Deen and teach the Noble Quran to Rohingya children and communities across Myanmar. We aim to provide accessible, high-quality education that blends Islamic studies with worldly knowledge, nurturing individuals of upright and noble character.
Our Vision
A Myanmar illuminated by the light of the Quran, where strong faith and education serve as a bridge to overcome hardship, shaping a generation of noble, empowered believers.