Yogyakarta- As a form of appreciation to Alquran memorizers, Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) gives scholarship to 10 Alquran memorizers (hafidz) from some regions to study at the university. These scholarship receivers will study at Communication and Islamic Spreading (KPI) Department of Islamic Studies Faculty (FAI) at UMY. They belong to Kader Mubaligh Indonesia or Indonesian Islamic Preacher Cadre (PKMI) that is a special program for hafids mubaligh candidates. 

That was stated by the Department Head of KPI FAI UMY, Dr. Nawari Ismail, M. Ag at UMY integrated campus on Wednesday(14/09).

“The scholarship is the form of appreciation to Alquran memorizers as well as give them a chance to get higher education," said Nawari.

Seen from dakwah point of view, according to Nawari, the hafidz and hafidzah (female hafidz) have extraordinary capital for Islamic spreading (syiar). If they are given an opportunity to study at a higher level, of course they will be a great da'i or mubaligh (preacher) for Muslims. Unfortunately, most Alquran memorizers cannot continue to university due to economic reason.

Furthermore, Nawari explained that the scholarship given would be the exemption from SPP (tuition fee). "The scholarship will be given until they finish their study with some terms and conditions. One of them is GPA in any semester must not be below three to keep their quality," he said.

This scholarship program, furthermore, will be an UMY priority and will be done every year with more participants.

“UMY has high commitment  to facilitate these special people. This year we actually have a target to get 15 people, yet only 10 people passed selection process. We are targetting to receive 20 people next year," he explained.

Nawari informs that those who can take the selection process are high school graduates who can memorize Alquran at least four juz (chapter of Alquran).

(trans by hamzah - uhamka)