10 Muharram

MUHARRAM CELEBRATION: LAZISNU MKA Organizes Charitable Donations for the Underprivileged and Orphans

The Islamic month of Muharram, particularly the 10th day, holds great spiritual significance in Muslim tradition. Known as Ashura, this day is revered for various religious and historical reasons, including the commemoration of the trials faced by the Prophet Musa (Moses), and in broader cultural practice, a time for reflection, compassion, and acts of kindness. It is during this solemn yet sacred time that the spirit of generosity becomes most visible among Muslim communities around the world.

For centuries, Ashura has served as a reminder of resilience, faith, and the moral duty to uplift others. Beyond fasting and prayer, it is considered meritorious to give charity and show solidarity with the less fortunate. In this spirit, LAZISNU MKA made efforts to ensure that this year's Muharram was not only a time of personal devotion but also a communal expression of empathy and social responsibility.

Recognizing the importance of this occasion, LAZISNU MKA (Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infaq, dan Shadaqah Nahdlatul Ulama Masjid Keramat Agung) organized a charity distribution program on the evening of the 10th of Muharram. The event took place at the Keramat Agung Mosque and aimed to support underprivileged residents and orphans within the surrounding area, particularly in RW 2, a local neighborhood closely tied to the mosque’s community outreach.

The program was designed to directly benefit individuals most in need—those categorized as dhuafa (the economically disadvantaged) and yatim (orphans). This group often includes elderly individuals without steady income, single mothers, widows, children who have lost one or both parents, and others who struggle to meet basic daily needs.

The event unfolded in a structured, spiritually grounded sequence. The evening began shortly after Maghrib prayers, as community members gathered inside Masjid Keramat Agung for a night of remembrance and compassion.

The first part of the program featured a communal recitation of dzikir, an Islamic form of remembrance involving the chanting of divine names and phrases to glorify Allah. This was followed by the recitation of heartfelt prayers, seeking blessings not only for the participants but for the entire community, especially those experiencing hardship.

Following this was a musical and spiritual performance of Diba', a form of poetic salawat (praise) for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), performed by the MKA Jidor Salawat Ensemble. The group used traditional frame drums (jidor) to rhythmically accompany their voices, creating an atmosphere of reflection, reverence, and communal harmony.

The highlight of the evening was the distribution of aid packages to the selected beneficiaries. A total of 45 dhuafa and 4 orphans received financial support and symbolic gifts. Each recipient had been identified beforehand by local community leaders to ensure that the donations reached those who genuinely needed them the most.

Spiritual and Social Significance

This event went beyond mere charity; it represented a reaffirmation of Islamic values rooted in social justice, empathy, and collective responsibility. Islam encourages its followers to care for the vulnerable among them, and in doing so, fulfill a key aspect of faith. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was himself an orphan and repeatedly reminded his followers of the virtues of caring for orphans and the poor.

The evening's gathering provided a tangible demonstration of these teachings. Through organized community effort, those who had the means were able to share with those in need—transforming religious devotion into direct social impact.

In a short address during the program, Ustadz Moh Yusuf, Chairman of LAZISNU MKA, conveyed his heartfelt message. He emphasized the importance of transforming moments like Muharram into regular opportunities for giving, not just isolated acts of charity.

“This should not be a one-time event. Let this be a recurring program that binds us all as Muslims in service to each other,” he stated. “Sharing with our fellow believers is not only an obligation but a privilege.”

He also extended his sincere appreciation to all the muzaqqi (zakah contributors), munfiq (donors of voluntary charity), and various individual donors whose financial contributions made the program possible. Their generosity, according to him, is what kept the spirit of community alive in difficult times.

“Every rupiah, every gift, every prayer—these are the building blocks of our community’s strength. May Allah accept your good deeds and bless your families,” he added.

Impact on the Beneficiaries

For the recipients, the event offered not just material aid but also emotional support. Many expressed their gratitude for being remembered and included during such a meaningful time. In times of hardship, small gestures of kindness often carry immense psychological and spiritual weight.

One elderly recipient shared:

“I live alone, and sometimes it feels like I am forgotten. But tonight, I feel seen and cared for. May Allah reward those who made this night possible.”

Similarly, one of the orphans, accompanied by a guardian, expressed joy at receiving both a gift and kind words from the community. For these young individuals, feeling supported and included can make a lasting difference in how they perceive their own worth and place in the world.

Encouraging Broader Community Engagement

One of the implicit goals of the event was to inspire broader community involvement. Beyond financial contributions, LAZISNU MKA hopes to build a culture of volunteerism, where people offer their time, skills, or simply their presence to support one another. In this sense, the 10th Muharram event was both a celebration and a call to action.

Future programs may include skills workshops for single mothers, mentoring for youth, and routine food distributions—all rooted in the same philosophy that drove the Ashura gathering: that community strength lies in mutual support.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Compassion

The Muharram program by LAZISNU MKA serves as a powerful reminder of what communities can achieve when united by purpose and faith. Amidst the global challenges brought by economic uncertainty, health crises, and social disconnection, efforts like these provide hope, healing, and human connection.

The event not only fulfilled a religious obligation but also set an example of organized compassion. It reflected how traditional Islamic values can be applied in modern contexts to alleviate suffering and promote dignity.

As the echoes of dzikir and salawat fade into the night, the impact of this evening continues to resonate—not only in the lives of those who received help but also among those who gave. It is in such moments that a community truly comes alive, driven not by wealth or status, but by shared humanity and unwavering faith.