YOGYAKARTA — Elderly women from various directions converge on foot toward a modest hut in Wunut Hamlet, Sumberwungu Village, Terus, Gunung Kidul. This hut, affectionately named Gubug Sinau, was constructed collaboratively by the local community, featuring a woven mat floor, asbestos roofing, and GRC walls, adorned with the name of Allah on the front.
Upon arrival, the women promptly find their seats, unconstrained by formal seating arrangements or postures; comfort is key. A shared ritual among them is wearing a hijab and opening their scriptures, a practice observed every Monday and Thursday.
The drive to study and learn the Quran is a constant among the elderly women of Wunut Hamlet, a passion that has found a nurturing ground in Gubug Sinau, thanks to the initiative of Ustaz Ngadiran. His vision of creating a learning space for the elderly dovetailed with the outreach program of Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta.
Baca juga: Tingkatkan Kualitas Guru Ngaji, LPM Dompet Dhuafa Gelar Pelatihan Guru Ngaji Asrama Yatim & Dhuafa
In 2007, a small room measuring 4×9 meters was constructed, named Gubug Sinau, meaning a small house as a place for learning. Its congregation consists of 31 elderly women, part of the 224 households in Wunut Hamlet.
“At first, I wanted to make a small shop. But due to insufficient funds, I decided to make a ‘shop with Allah’ instead. The ladies were very supportive and also helped. Eventually, Gubug Sinau was established,” Ustaz Ngadiran reminisces about the origins of the study group.
Most of the younger generation has moved away, but nearly all the local adults are farmers. Taking time to study and recite the Quran has become their pleasure amidst their busy routines.
Ustaz Bilal Imam Syah Majaiz, Supervisor of Social Da’wah at Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta, is one of the teachers at Gubug Sinau. He never hesitates to teach the elderly women at Gubug Sinau, despite the considerable distance from the DD Jogja office. It takes at least 3 hours for Ustaz Bilal to travel each time.
Baca juga: Dompet Dhuafa Salurkan Puluhan Al-Qur’an dan Bingkisan untuk Guru Ngaji Lampung
“In addition to da’wah activities, Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta also rolls out other social activities, such as distributing clean water and other basic necessities,” he explains after teaching the Hijaiyah letters on Thursday (9/11/2023).
Right beside the hut is a clean water storage. Built in 2015 by Dompet Dhuafa and PT PP, this storage is typically used to collect clean water shipments from donors. Not only Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta but other institutions also utilize this facility as a means to distribute clean water.
Among the 31 members of the congregation, Mbok Minem is the eldest. At over 90 years old, she remains eager to continue learning to read the Quran. She admits it is very challenging to remember how to read the Hijaiyah letters taught by Ustaz Ngadiran or Ustaz Bilal. Despite this, she hopes her efforts will accumulate rewards for learning.
Baca juga: Dompet Dhuafa Salurkan Bantuan Yatim, Guru Ngaji, Hingga Keluarga Tangguh di Bali
“Even though it’s like writing on water, we are undeterred and continue to learn,” says another member, Septiah (56).
Septiah shares that she started studying at Gubug Sinau when it was established in 2007.
“At home, I still read, even though it’s halting. Sometimes I forget the lengths of the vowels, but I keep reading, trying my best,” chimes in her friend sitting beside her, Marsiyem (58).
“Initially, we couldn’t read ‘alif ba ta’ at all. Not a bit. Then we joined Gubug Sinau. We learned together. Alhamdulillah, now we can,” adds Septiah.
Baca juga: Bersama Quran Review, Dompet Dhuafa Salurkan Ratusan Al-Quran untuk Guru Ngaji dan Santri Yatim
She is one of the early generation members. Now, she can fluently read the Quran and help teach her friends outside of class hours.
Even when they return home, some continue to read, either individually or in pairs. They hope that Gubug Sinau’s activities can be held more than twice a week.
“I’d actually prefer to have lessons every day,” concludes Septiah. (Dompet Dhuafa/Muthohar)