Online tadarus is a new normal in Ramadan during MCO

Kuantan, 11 May 2020 - It used to be tadarus al-Quran in groups at the mosque or in the office, but the new normal has now been put into practice for the staff and students of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) where tadarus is done online to enliven the month of Ramadan this year.

According to the Assistant Officer of Islamic Affairs from the UMP Islamic and Human Development Centre (PIMPIN), who is also the Programme Manager, Mohamad Hasnur Abdul Hamid, tadarus is one of the spiritual activities in Ramadan Festival planned annually for the campus community to promote a deeper understanding of the Quran.

“Besides, it is a platform for the staff and students to improve the Quran recitation.

“The execution differs this year due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), it is done online at their homes.

“This year, 26 staff participate, and they are divided into five groups that are led by proficient instructors,” he said.

He added this is different from the previous years where representatives from each department or faculty lead the tadarus groups.

Within these 14 days, he was satisfied with the commitment of the staff in participating in each session, and most of them used Zoom or Google Meet.

“This time, the method is also different when the groups are no longer divided by chapters (juzuk).

“Each group should finish 30 chapters in 25 days, and the tadarus sessions are flexible based on the consent of each group member,” he said.

“We hope all participants stay committed reciting the Quran even after Ramadan ends. They can also deepen their understanding via translation of the Quran and the knowledge of tajwid.

According to Azlinda Ibrahim, the Senior Administrative Assistant (Clerical/Operation) at the Bursary Office, tadarus is a much-awaited activity in Ramadan every year.

“My annual participation is not only to finish reciting the Quran but also to continually learn tajwid and improve my recitation.

“Interestingly this year, we are guided by religious teachers who teach us the correct technique and also make contemplation (tadabbur) of the Quran.

She added that her group is comfortable using Google Meet for the tadarus session.

“There are challenges in online tadarus when we sometimes have problems with the internet connection.

“My friend subscribed to a new internet line to make sure the sessions run smoothly,” she said.

During Ramadan, PIMPIN is organising various activities in Ramadan Festival such as Jom Tanya Pakar (Let’s Ask the Expert) with Ustaz Dr. Ahmad Irfan Ikmal Hisham, Dhuha lectures, Khatam al-Quran, Nuzul Quran: Covid-19, Ibrah (wisdom) in the Quran, and many more.

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty Of  Chemical And Process Engineering Technology