By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, April 28: As Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan and with Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaching, members of the public can do good deeds by donating to a good cause.
Madrasah Tahfiz Al-Faaizun, a religious school near Santubong bridge is seeking the community’s generosity to help them build a surau for their students.
Located at Kampung Sg Berdaun, Jalan Sultan Tengah, Madrasah Tahfiz Al-Faaizun is currently accommodating 22 students including 10 boarders who came from as far as Matu and Daro in Mukah district.
Speaking to Dayak Daily, its manager Ahmad Zaidi Untong said they have four ustaz (teachers) who conduct their classes in the multipurpose building.
“It would be good to have a separate building designated as a surau and lecture room for our students who are learning about Islam and supporting their spiritual growth.
“Based on the estimated cost, we will need about RM150,000 to build it and this includes a toilet, bathroom and pantry area,” Ahmad Zaidi disclosed.
Located just behind the boarding area, the construction has begun, with small funds coming in through public donations and from his own pension while fellow villagers helped to build.
As the premise is located next to Sungai Santubong, he explained that the village is not spared from floods during heavy rain and the monsoon season.
“Hence we need to do proper piling and foundation to raise the ground level. Whenever it floods, the water level can reach as high as the windows on our neighbour’s houses.
“This is one of the major problems during the rainy season, which troubles our madrasah as well as the children,” he added.
A surau, which is generally smaller than a mosque, is equally of high importance in Islam and functions as the heart of the local Muslim community.
With many people benefiting from the daily worship facilities and educational programmes, there is much more to it than congregational prayers.
As the saying goes, contributing towards building a surau is a sacred act in itself, what more during the Holy month of Ramadhan.
To donate to the construction of the Madrasah Tahfiz Al-Faaizun surau, members of the public can channel their donations through the Bank Muamalat account number 1101 0002 5157 19 or contact Ahmad Zaidi at 011-10519922. — DayakDaily
