In addition to being taught Arabic, the Hufaz were home-schooled in traditional teachings. Some have ambitious plans to pursue higher education at Medina University in Saudi Arabia after obtaining an Alim Degree, which is the equivalent of a college degree in Islamic studies, from a South African university. They all plan to teach Arab-related subjects in American colleges. They believe that those born in the United States and who pursue a higher education must strive to correct misunderstandings of Islam in the West. They accept that responsibility with much interest and dedication.

The Bangladesh Muslim Center in Brooklyn is not alone in the instruction of Hufaz. In the past decade, the Jamaica Muslim Center has produced 37 Hufaz. Along with memorizing the Quran, they have also received an education in traditional material. Though they began the difficult process because of pressure from parents and guardians, they are now pursuing their studies as something for themselves. Their dedication may even surpass the expectations and practices of the adults.

Memorizing the verses of the Holy Quran is nothing new in the various boroughs of New York. The practice has been quietly happening for a long time within the well over 100 mosques in the city, a significant number of which are run by Bangladeshis.

Among the new Hufaz, many are leading the special nightly prayer during the holy month of Ramadan (which began August 22). In Brooklyn, there are two Hafiz leading prayers at the Baitul Jannah Mosque, Darul Jannah Mosque and the Brooklyn Islamic Center.

Mohammad Zaed Khan was the first Hafiz of the Quran at the Bangladesh Muslim Center in Brooklyn. After completing memorization of the Quran in 1999, he went to South Africa to obtain a higher degree in Islamic Studies. He was admitted to the Islamia Arabia Mosque where he eventually obtained an Alim degree. Zaed Khan told The Thikana that he wanted to attend Medina University in Saudi Arabia and then return to the United States. He is interested in becoming an educator as well as an imam at a mosque.

Bangladeshi-American Sifat Saleh Safi memorized the Holy Quran in 2003. He then went to South Africa to obtain an Alim degree and has one more year to complete his degree. When he returns to the United States during school break, he helps out at the Bangladesh Muslim Center. Last year during Ramadan, Sifat led prayers for several days. He told The Thikana that he is studying subjects that conform to a traditional Arabic education. He wants to be a teacher after completing his studies.

Arshaduzzaman memorized the entire Quran in 2007. He will go to Medina University to obtain an Alim degree where he has submitted his application documents. Meanwhile he continues his studies in traditional education at the Bangladesh Muslim Center.

Aminul Islam became Hafiz of the Quran in 2005. Afterwards, he completed the Alim course from Al Zamia Al Islamia at the University of London. He is also interested in becoming a teacher either in the United States or in another country after obtaining his degree in higher education. Aminul said, "We are now studying and it will be especially important when we are able to impart our studies to others."

Arman Ali became Hafiz last year. He too wishes to obtain a degree from Medina University in Saudi Arabia. He is interested in becoming an imam at a New York mosque and teaching college. Another Hafiz, Mahbubul Haque, wants to go to Madrasha Islamia Arabia in Africa and would like to become a teacher of Islam. Salahuddin finished memorizing the Holy Quran in 2007. He wants to go to South Africa for higher education and after that, he wishes to do research if given the opportunity. Samir Pasha became Hafiz of the Quran this year and is waiting with much anticipation to be able to go to the Madrasha in South Africa for higher education. He would like to teach in the future. Mosharraf Hossen became Hafiz in 2006 and will soon be attending college.

More than 20 students from the Bangladesh Muslim Center hope to memorize the Quran. This includes four in 12th grade, one in 10th grade, three in 9th grade, five in 8th grade, two in 7th grade and one in 6th grade. They told The Thikana that there is no alternative to Islam, that it is a code of life. To know Islam properly, one has to know each and every line of the Quran. In that respect, they said that they are interested in learning the Quran in addition to receiving an education in traditional material.

In the Bangladesh Muslim Center, three teachers are providing classes in homeschooling under the guidance of Imam Quari Ruhullah, who is a Hafiz himself, with the president of the center, Haji Abul Hashem supervising the system. Quari Ruhullah said that the students are performing well and receiving good grades.