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| UMM Student Becomes a Mosque Caretaker and Imam at AR Fachruddin Mosque (Photo: Special). |
The month of Ramadan carves out special stories for anyone, including Fauzan Al Ziaulhaq, a mosque caretaker and imam at AR Fachruddin Mosque, Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM), who is also a student of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) at UMM. Fauzan, as he is affectionately called, recounts that the month of Ramadan brings many interesting stories, from sadness to happiness.
"The sadness comes when it's the first fasting moment, not being able to have suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of fast) together with family. Especially since my home is far away and on a different island," said the man who has been a caretaker since 2021.
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He felt a bit different because he couldn't start Ramadan with his beloved family. However, this student from Aceh admitted that it didn't last long. The presence of fellow caretakers and imams helped fill the longing. Moreover, his fellow caretakers come from various regions across Indonesia. Some are from Lombok, Sumbawa, Padang, and Bima.
Becoming a caretaker is a dream he has had for a long time. Besides being able to practice the knowledge gained from pesantren (Islamic boarding school), being a caretaker provides an important role for him to participate in maintaining the cleanliness, security, prosperity, and comfort of those who worship in the mosque.
"The most memorable experience was when I was appointed to lead the Eid al-Fitr prayer at UMM in 2023. I felt nervous, but proud. Alhamdulillah, it went smoothly," he said proudly.
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Starting from the desire to create a good environment around him, Fauzan admitted that there are many other benefits he obtained when becoming a mosque caretaker. Among them are comfortable accommodation, scholarships from AR Fachruddin Mosque, and positive friends who support each other in goodness.
"Coincidentally, UMM caretakers also receive facilities such as accommodation for each officer and scholarships from the Mosque Welfare Body (BPM), AR. Fachruddin. Because I am also a graduate of a pesantren, by becoming a caretaker, I can maintain the memorization I already have," he said.
Fauzan also encourages other young people, especially his fellow students, not to hesitate to contribute to the mosque. He emphasizes that there will be many blessings and goodness gained. Not only rewards but also good circles, interesting studies, and more.
"Especially for UMM students who want to become caretakers, they can continue to monitor the social media account of AR Fachruddin Mosque on @umm.masjidarfachruddin. Prospective caretakers do not have to have extensive memorization, as long as they are consistent in continuing to memorize. By becoming caretakers, we have the opportunity to lead the five daily prayers, lead the Tarawih prayers, organize pre-Iftar studies, dawn studies, and all activities related to the mosque," he happily concluded. (dev/wil/fajr)
