DEPOK, WEST JAVA — In the journey of life, limitations are not walls that block the rays of our kindness. Like the morning dew that never fails to greet the dawn, so do souls who are full of enthusiasm and sincerity never stop giving benefits, even though they are wrapped in limitations.
Doing good deeds by sharing knowledge with others is a noble goal. Many people will think more about themselves when faced with a limited situation. However, this is not the case with this figure. Limitations are actually a lamp that illuminates his steps, moving his heart to continue to benefit others. Showing that kindness and sincerity always find a way to share. Ustaz Hari Aprian (35), a Quranic teacher with low vision, is still dedicated to teaching.
“Maybe for ordinary people in my condition, who can only rely on one eye or one vision, it might be an obstacle. I don’t have much vision to use. How can I make my vision useful for others,” said Ustaz Hari gratefully.
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For 19 years, Ustaz Hari has devoted himself to the next generation of children. With great determination, he continues to educate children through Islamic literacy, so that they can empower themselves and their families.
Ustaz Hari has made various efforts. Starting from using glasses, undergoing surgery, to considering an eye donor. However, everything was unsuccessful because the damage was located in the eye nerve. As a result, only a small part of his vision was functioning, not fully like a normal person.
“Alhamdulillah, I am one of Allah’s chosen ones who is deficient in vision. So from a young age, my eye nerves were damaged. So it’s not the eyes that are problematic, but the nerves of the eyes are damaged. At that time, I tried to see a doctor to wear glasses, tried to get surgery, tried to get an eye donor, but it was not possible. Because, it was the nerve that was damaged. So my eye nerve is damaged, so it functions a little, not fully functional like normal people,” he said.
However, Ustaz Hari’s condition has strengthened his determination to be useful in sharing knowledge. Every step taken, every word spoken, is proof that within Ustaz Hari’s limitations there is strength that can illuminate the heart and provide hope for others. With faith, he can make the world a more beautiful and meaningful place.
“Now the distance is close, so I usually look at the children’s Al-Qur’an from a close distance. Alhamdulillah, but it’s okay, God willing, the spirit is happy. It is precisely by teaching the Quran that I am grateful to Allah for my condition,” added Ustaz Hari.
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Children from elementary to middle school age study vigorously under his guidance. They learn the Qur’an, memorize short surahs and daily prayers, and write Arabic. Nearly 100 children take turns learning the Quran in three sessions every day. Because Ustaz Hari lives in a small rented house, he is allowed to teach on the back porch of his neighbor’s house, creating a warm and intimate learning environment.
“That’s why, Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to Allah, and the way I express my gratitude is by applying myself to the Prophet’s da’wah by teaching the Quran,” he said.
Alhamdulillah, through the Mustahik Service Program, Dompet Dhuafa’s Community Service Agency (LPM) gave a gift of appreciation to Ustaz Hari in the form of a laptop. This gift was given right on National Education Day which fell on Thursday (2/5/2024). The laptop is an important tool needed by Ustaz Hari to develop his teaching methods, so that they can be more effective in educating children.
“It feels like a dream, like a dream. Because all this time, this (laptop) is what we have been asking Allah for, but we have not been able to buy it. Hopefully, with this laptop, our Quranic activities can develop even more. We can make coloring sketches for children, to be able to make better questions than handwriting, to be able to make motivational flyers for parents, to be able to input children’s data properly, so that it is not scattered, and many more, God willing,” he said gratefully.
Ustaz Hari expressed his hope with great determination. Despite his physical limitations, he is determined to continue teaching Quran until the end of his life. In the midst of all limitations, his da’wah still burns brightly.
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Ustaz Hari is a living example, who despite his visual impairment, remains passionate about teaching and spreading religious knowledge. With strong determination and a sincere heart, he continues to share kindness, inspiring many people that physical limitations do not prevent a person from benefiting others. His limitations actually become a strength that strengthens his da’wah.
“Whatever my condition, whatever shortcomings I have, I want to continue teaching Quran until the end of my life. So pray that this little vision can bring the da’wah that I have been running so far wider and get the pleasure of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala,” he hoped.
Ustaz Hari expressed his deep gratitude to the donors who have channeled their zakat through Dompet Dhuafa. The support from these donors means a lot to him. According to Ustaz Hari, this gift from Dompet Dhuafa donors gives him the tools he needs to teach and strengthen his da’wah. It also shows that the kindness of the donors who have tucked care has a big impact in supporting a person’s struggle and enthusiasm to continue working and sharing goodness. In addition, he also thanked the muzaki who had channeled their zakat through Dompet Dhuafa.
“Syukron wa jazakumullah khair the good people of Allah’s choice who have made our dreams come true today. May Allah make every business easy like the business that has been facilitated for us. And hopefully Allah will increase and his sustenance and hopefully Allah will reward with the blessings of his kindness aamiin ya robbal alamin,” he prayed.
In a separate place, Mustaki as LPM Dompet Dhuafa Program Manager, explained that support for Quran teachers in the fi sabilillah category is always present.
“They are people who contribute to education and da’wah. We should always maintain concern for the condition of the Quran teachers wherever they are,” he concluded. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Anndini Dwi Putri, Ray
Editors: Riza Muthohar, Ronna