Who Says It’s Impossible? When Become Faith Is the Door to Mastering the Quran
By Ali Aminulloh
Is reading the Quran enough to be considered mastered? Or is that where the true journey begins?
That question lingered in the minds of the dormitory guidance counselors when they gathered that evening, Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:30 PM WIB on the first floor of the Al Madani Al Zaytun Dormitory. An evaluation and upgrading forum was opened, not merely to assess ability, but to raise awareness.
A Renewed Pledge of Service
The event began with the recitation of the Seven Promises of Dharma Bhakti by Usth. Nur Fadhilah, S.H. The words of the promise flowed slowly but deeply, reminding us that guiding the Quran is not merely a structural task, but a calling to service. At this point, the forum was no longer a routine agenda; it transformed into a shared reflection.
Reading, Understanding, and Becoming
The first directive was delivered by the Chairman of the Al Zaytun Student Dormitory Control Board (MPAP), Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.Pd.I., ME. In his directive, he emphasized one important tactic of Al-Zaytun: a thorough mastery of the Quran. Reading is the gateway, understanding is the path, and practicing is the goal.
However, the assessment results were honest. Of all the supervising teachers, 51 students still ranked at grades C, D, and even E. These numbers are not meant to be judgmental, but rather to raise awareness: there is a gap between intention and achievement.
Why does this gap exist? Self-determination is often the primary cause. The negative suggestion “I can’t” becomes an invisible wall that is actually the strongest. This is where change must begin: with self-belief.
Learning from a Belief
Ust. Dr. Ali recounted the classic story of Thomas Alva Edison. A letter from school, read by his mother through tears, was transformed into an affirmation: your child is a genius. It was this belief that fueled young Edison’s enthusiasm, allowing the world to enjoy the light of his discovery.
Later, after his mother’s death, Edison discovered the true contents of the letter: a stigma about mental retardation. He wept, realizing how a single belief could change one’s destiny. The message was clear: when someone believes they can, they will find their way, even if the world tells them otherwise.
From Remembering to Creating
The Teachers’ Council’s guidance, delivered by Drs. Miftakh, M.Pd., took the participants up another level. The Qira’at test had mapped abilities from grades A to E. Some students were able to recite a chapter (juz) along with its meaning. However, a critical question arose: was this due to memorization or understanding?
Therefore, learning must be tested by translating it into one’s own language, interpreting the meaning, and bringing the message to life. This is where Bloom’s Taxonomy becomes the foundation: from remembering, understanding, evaluating, to creating. To be effective, standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be developed. SOPs are not created from above and passed down, but rather formulated by the practitioners themselves. SOPs born from awareness are easier to implement than imposed rules.
Challenging Goals, Firm Intentions
The upgrade program involved 51 participants (4 male and 47 female teachers) with a serious goal: two months to achieve an A grade. Confidence was the primary driving force. The best people are those who learn the Quran and teach it. This is where the acceleration of recitation mastery begins.
Perseverance is the Key
The qira’at upgrade program, led by Ana Mujahid, S.Pd., emphasizes one principle: the best learning is teaching. Persistence is key, along with the core competencies of the mentor:
1. Analyzing the rules of Quranic recitation.
2. Pronouncing correctly according to the makharijul huruf.
3. Reading well and correctly.
4. Translating and understanding the meaning.
5. Memorizing the Quran.
These five skills are not instant goals, but rather a gradual process that requires commitment.
Epilogue: From Faith to Light
That night, the Al Madani Dormitory became not just a training ground, but a space for growth. Evaluation is not the end, but the beginning. Upgrading is not about grades, but about increasing faith.
Because the Quran is not enough to read. It must be understood, taught, and lived. And every great journey always begins with one small step: the belief that we are capable. God willing, in a short time, that light will grow brighter.***
Indramayu, January 5, 2026
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