To maintain the purity of Quran recitation and memorization, Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) continues to develop the Quran Recitation and Memorization Program, narrated by Hafs from Imam 'Ashim through the Ash-Syatibiyyah line. It standardizes Quran recitation and memorization for students who have completed memorizing all 30 chapters.
Students, joining the program, are not only required to memorize, but also understand and read the Quran with connected reading quality sanad extended to Rasulullah SAW as taught by the angel Gabriel to him.
Ustaz Mustafid Ma'arif, Lc., M.Pd., an Islamic Studies teacher specializing in Al-Azhar and a Tahfidz teacher at Thursina IIBS, said this program serves as a benchmark for student's eligibility to teach the Quran (Al-Muqri') in the future.
"To assess the suitability of recitation and memorization, a student must submit their recitation directly to a Quran teacher who has a muttashil sanad, a chain of teachings that extends back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)," explained Ustaz Mustafid.
"The process involves memorization, independent review, and tiered memorization tests ranging from one to thirty juz," he added.
Furthermore, the mentoring period in the sanad program varies, depending on the student's memorization strength and discipline. Some can complete it in six months, but on average, it takes about a year. After completing memorization and reading to a sanad teacher, they will undergo a continuous memorization test (istimror).
"The ultimate goal is not only for students to be able to read correctly, but also to prepare them to become Quran teachers with authentic and standardized chains of Qur'anic narration," added Ustaz Mustafid.
Over the last three years, Thursina IIBS has borne six sanad holders Al-Qur'an diploma in the Hafs history from Imam 'Ashim. However, not all memorizers of 30 juz can immediately join in this program, due to time limit and tight academic agenda in the final year.
"Some students complete memorization in the second semester of grade 12, or are currently focusing on preparing for further studies. Therefore, the sanad program requires planning and guidance from the start," he explained.
This year, the program has also been implemented in male campus, with five students already beginning the memorization process to the teacher.
It provides a platform for developing students' potential in the areas of memorization and Quran recitation. Thursina IIBS is committed not only to bear students with academic achievement but also to foster fully Islamic scholarly potential.
"The sanad program is a realistic step for students with demanding academic schedules. For those who wish to continue, there are advanced programs available, such as an introduction to mutawatirah qira'at," explained the Thursina IIBS Tahfidz teacher.
He hopes with the increasing number of students memorizing the Qur'an each year, exceeding 20 students, the number of participants in the sanad program will grow as well.
"We hope that they are able to complete memorization of 30 juz (chapters) a year before graduation, so they have enough time to follow the sanad (translation chain). The support from accompanying teachers and appreciation from the institution will be particularly helpful. In SyaAllah, with cooperation of the entire parties, Thursina will further pursue in building a generation of knowledgeable, civilized, and authentic guardians of the Quran," he concluded. (iz/lil)
