SOUTH SUMATRA — Dompet Dhuafa continues to show its concern for Quran teachers. This time, Dompet Dhuafa distributed gifts to 31 Quran teachers in a number of locations in South Sumatra in stages. Until the last distribution was successfully carried out on Thursday (12/09/2024) in Tanjung Mas Village, Rantau Alai District, Ogan Ilir Regency.
Wahyu Putra Pratama as PIC of the Dawah Dompet Dhuafa South Sumatra Program said, giving this gift is a form of appreciation to the Quran recitation teachers for their dedication and sincerity in teaching the Qur’an. They have been willing to spare a lot of things to teach the Qur’an, ranging from energy, knowledge, thoughts, time, and even material.
In general, they are not paid, nor do they ask for payment from the students/children who study. Even so, sometimes there are some well-off parents who are happy to give the Quran teachers some material as a form of appreciation.
“They are willing to devote their time, energy, and thoughts selflessly. They don’t even get paid. Even though they also have an obligation to provide for their families,” Wahyu said.
Read also: Invite travelers in Rest Area to Care for Ngaji Teachers in Remote Areas
One of the beneficiaries is Muhammad Thoriq, a Quranic teacher at Nurussalam TPA in Ulak Village, who has been teaching for almost 12 years. He admits that he finds it difficult to provide Qur’ans for underprivileged students. Currently, TPA Nurussalam has approximately 53 students with three teachers. Here the children are free of charge, but they must have a Al-Qur’an. Some children who do not have a Al-Qur’an or whose Al-Qur’an is damaged, then the teacher must provide it. Either by lending or by buying.
“Sometimes I have to lend or buy it myself,” said Thoriq.
Similar to Thoriq, Edi Jaya (46), a Quranic teacher in Tanjung Mas Village, Rantau Alai Subdistrict, Ogan Ilir also faces similar challenges. He has to divide his time between working in the fields and teaching the Quran. Edi, along with two other teachers, struggles to instill Qur’anic values in 60 children in Tanjung Mas. He is also willing to turn his house into a Quran class after every Maghrib prayer.
“I am continuing my parents’ struggle, which is teaching the Qur’an to children. Our parents’ message is that this recitation should not be interrupted. I used to be a trader, selling this, selling that. But since my parents are gone, I can’t help but continue their struggle. So I let go of all these activities. Now, I may go to the farm during the day and teach Quran at night,” said Edi.
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa distributes 2.5 tonnes of rice to 250 Ngaji teachers throughout Denpasar
Similar to TPA Nurussalam, there is no compulsory fee for Qur’an students at Edi’s house. So to fulfill his responsibilities as head of the household, Edi gardens every day and sometimes still trades.
It is still very unfortunate, it turns out that almost 40 percent of Quran teachers throughout Indonesia are still paid IDR 100,000, some are not even paid. The Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Agency (BKPRMI) in 2019 noted that the total number of TPA and TKA teachers is currently 928 thousand people. In remote areas, this condition will feel even more sad. Stories of Quranic teachers who are not paid at all when teaching Islamic sciences are still often found. Even though this profession is very valuable, it is still rarely appreciated.
Through this gift, Dompet Dhuafa hopes to provide new enthusiasm for Quran teachers in carrying out their noble duties. The existence of Quranic teachers is very important in shaping the younger generation with noble character. There are still many Quran teachers who deserve to be appreciated. Good friends can take part in this kindness through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donate/bantugurungaji. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika Prabowo