JAKARTA — Under the theme “Mindfulness in Ramadan,” Dompet Dhuafa held a Goodness Gathering with Ustadz Erick Yusuf and Raden Prisya on Thursday (March 7, 2022). The gathering featured an interactive talk show, a religious discussion, and a shared iftar meal with social media influencers at Bellarosa Lounge, Amaroossa Hotel Cilandak, South Jakarta.
As an author and mindful parenting coach, Raden Prisya explains that there are two types of happiness: a pleasant life with goals for ourselves, and above that, a meaningful life.
“And a meaningful life can only be attained by someone who has experienced the beauty of sharing and contributing. Because the happiness derived from it is higher and more meaningful than simply living a pleasant life. Without realizing it, the purpose can be greater and certainly more beneficial,” Prisya explains.
“At that time, I also visited one of Dompet Dhuafa’s economic empowerment program locations in the Yogyakarta area. There, I saw that with simple facilities, they were able to work. This made me realize that I should be more grateful for my circumstances,” he added.
The spirit of sharing during the holy month of Ramadan 1443 H was also explained by Etika Setiawanti, Director of Resources Mobilization at Dompet Dhuafa. She said that Dompet Dhuafa has around 200 programs that are the targets of benefit management. These programs expand the benefits of donors’ donations and empower the beneficiaries.
“It’s definitely possible for us to maximize Ramadan by disciplining ourselves in doing good, from one day to the next, so that it is more beneficial for ourselves and others. And for us, being beneficial can mean having a broad impact. This Ramadan, Dompet Dhuafa is also presenting programs such as Al-Qur’an almsgiving, sharing iftar meals, caring for orphans, and so on,” said Etika.
As the time for breaking the fast approaches, Ustadz Erick Yusuf said in his sermon, “If what we spread is goodness and we accompany it with prayers, then insha Allah it will become worship. When others are inspired by our call to give alms, then we also receive the reward, so it is beneficial for us, those who give, and those who receive. And events like this open the doors to goodness. We never know which of our acts of kindness will protect and help us from evil.”
Chiki Fawzi, one of Dompet Dhuafa’s Super Volunteers, who was present that afternoon, also shared her experiences. She admitted that what Dompet Dhuafa provides has indeed brought tremendous benefits to the recipients out there.
“Recently, I also participated in the response to the eruption of Mount Semeru. Together with the DMC (Disaster Management Center) response team, whose assistance is not only during disaster response, but also provides post-disaster recovery assistance. So, even though we can’t help or get involved directly, our donations through Dompet Dhuafa, God willing, are very useful and right on target,” said Chiki. (Dompet Dhuafa / Dhika Prabowo)