During this year's Ramadan, the Pondok pesantren Qur’an Cahaya Toboali has taken the initiative to send students to Pulau Kelapan as part of their community service program, enhancing the significance of this holy month with acts of kindness and service. The program commenced on the second day of Ramadan 1446 Hijriah (March 2, 2025), with six male students accompanied by two mentors, Ustaz Abdussalam Alghozali and Ustaz Iman. This annual community service effort aims to engage the students with local communities and promote Islamic teachings.
Ustaz Abdussalam emphasized the importance of performing good deeds during Ramadan, reminding the students before their departure, "Sebaik-baik manusia adalah yang paling banyak manfaatnya untuk orang lain," which translates to "The best among people are those who are most beneficial to others." Through this mission, the students will not only learn valuable life lessons but also create positive impacts within the community they visit.
The group of students is set to live and work among the residents of Pulau Kelapan, where they will lead prayers, deliver sermons, and organize educational programs. Ustaz Iman expressed hope for the students to deepen their experience, stating, "Anak-anak akan menghidupkan syiar Islam di Pulau Kelapan, menjadi imam salat, menyampaikan khotbah dan lainnya," meaning, "The children will revitalize Islamic practices on Pulau Kelapan, becoming prayer leaders, delivering sermons, and more." This hands-on approach aims to instill values of compassion and service within the young minds.
This community service initiative is not just a one-time event. Ustaz Abdussalam mentioned, "Ini program rutin setiap tahun yang diikuti oleh santri kelas III SMP Pondok pesantren Qur’an Cahaya," or "This is a routine program carried out every year by the students of the third-year SMP at Pondok pesantren Qur’an Cahaya." Each year, the location changes, providing diverse experiences for the students. Previously, they had served at various nearby villages: Desa Rias, Desa Serdang, and Desa Rindik, contributing to long-lasting relationships within these communities.
Looking forward, Ustaz Abdussalam shared plans for subsequent groups. After the initial week of service on Pulau Kelapan, the program is expected to extend to Desa Sadai and Desa Pasir Putih, demonstrating their commitment to youth engagement and community support across multiple areas. During this two-week program, the students' involvement will serve as the foundation for forging bonds and sharing knowledge about their faith.
The presence of the students is not merely about serving the community but also about learning from it. With programs offering guided Quran reading sessions and community discussions, they hope to inspire local residents and encourage practices during Ramadan. Further, educational workshops led by these students will bring the community together, fostering cooperation and heightened Islamic awareness during this holy month.
Community service during Ramadan holds significant value, as it embodies the essence of charity and kindness, which are fundamental to Islamic teachings. The initiatives led by the Pondok pesantren Qur’an Cahaya highlight the educational and transformative aspects of engagement. Not only do the students gain insights and practical experience, but they also give back to society by contributing positively to their surroundings.
By promoting these values through direct interactions, the participants hope to leave behind more than just memories; they wish to create lasting ties and pave the way for continued collaboration after Ramadan concludes. This spirit of giving back reflects the heart of Ramadan—an opportunity for Muslims to deepen their faith and fulfil their responsibilities to the community.
These actions represent not just individual acts of giving but also collective efforts to reinforce the principles of unity and goodness within the larger Muslim community. The efforts of these young students, guided by their mentors, showcase how the youth can actively participate and lead initiatives aligned with religious teachings, creating positive shifts in the community.
With solid plans set for the future, the Pondok pesantren Qur’an Cahaya is showcasing the importance of resilience and adaptability among its students. This year’s theme of community outreach and service during Ramadan promises to touch many lives and strengthen communal bonds, reinforcing the relevance of faith-driven practices during one of the most important months of the Islamic calendar. The broader impact of such initiatives will echo beyond Ramadan, encouraging continued community engagement throughout the year.