Sign Language Qur’an Murojaah Training in Yogyakarta, Dozens of Qur’an Teachers Trained by UNU Jogja

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – In an effort to enliven this year’s Ramadan, the Center for Population and Family Welfare Studies (Pusdeka) of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) held a Sign Language Qur’an Murojaah activity attended by 60 participants on Monday, February 23.

The program was a follow-up to a previous Training of Trainers (ToT) for Sign Language Qur’an instructors organized by Pusdeka UNU Jogja with support from Badan Amil Zakat Nasional (Baznas RI). The initiative aims to provide an educational solution while expanding inclusive access to religious learning for Deaf individuals and their families.

Participants came from diverse backgrounds. In addition to UNU Jogja students, attendees included Qur’an teachers from TPQ and schools, members of the Deaf community, Islamic boarding school leaders, and business practitioners.

Held at Masjid Raden Mas Djatmino UNU Yogyakarta, the event featured certified trainers from Baznas RI, Rijalul Fahmi and Adinda Octa Romandhani, both students of UNU Jogja.

Director of Pusdeka UNU Jogja, Rindang Farihah, emphasized that the ability to read the Qur’an is a fundamental need for every Muslim, including persons with disabilities. Therefore, opportunities to learn and understand the Qur’an must be accessible to all.

“The enthusiasm of Deaf friends to learn the Qur’an is our motivation to organize this training. We equip Qur’an teachers so they can reach and assist Deaf learners,” she explained.

She added that sign language-based Qur’an teaching is especially important for families with Deaf members or children. Many parents wish to teach religious knowledge to their children but lack the appropriate methods to do so.

Teaching the Qur’an through sign language serves as a bridge of light for Deaf individuals. It enables them to engage with divine revelation and understand its meaning through guided support from trained teachers.

“Qur’an teachers act as facilitators who guide Deaf learners in reading and understanding the Qur’an, deepening their religious comprehension,” she said.

Through this initiative, Rindang hopes that Ramadan at UNU Jogja will become a meaningful moment to broaden access to religious education, ensuring the holy month truly embodies mercy for all.

This disability-inclusive service reflects UNU Jogja’s commitment to inclusive values, ensuring that education and religious teachings are accessible to everyone. Inclusivity is not merely a slogan, but a principle translated into concrete action. [Latifah]