PETALING JAYA, El Sky News – A tense incident involving a mother and an individual believed to be an ustaz (religious teacher) from a tahfiz (Qur’anic memorization) center went viral on social media yesterday, sparking various reactions and questions regarding the management ethics of religious institutions in the country.
The commotion erupted when the mother, whose identity was not disclosed, was shocked to find her son along with several other students selling raisins and other items at a petrol station. In the viral video, the mother is heard loudly voicing her anger towards the individual responsible for accompanying the students.
Frustration Over Son Being Forced to Trade
The primary source of the mother’s fury was the allegation that her son had been ordered to sell items on behalf of the madrasah (religious school) or tahfiz. She questioned why children who were sent to acquire religious knowledge and memorize the Qur’an had to spend time in public places to raise funds.
“I sent my son to study, not to be a salesperson at a petrol station! Where is the ustaz’s responsibility? This is not the proper way to raise funds for the tahfiz,” she said in a tone of deep disappointment, as heard in the video recording.
This incident is not the first time issues of tahfiz students selling by the roadside or in public areas have been reported, but the open anger displayed by this mother has brought the issue back into the public spotlight. Many netizens supported the mother’s action, arguing that it violates the principles of childcare within educational institutions.
Call for Fund Management Audit
State religious authorities and the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) are now expected to scrutinize this incident to investigate whether there are elements of misuse or neglect of the students.
A social analyst, Dr. Sulaiman Hassan, when contacted, stated that this incident should serve as a ‘red flag’ to all tahfiz centers.
“The management must be transparent and accountable. If they require funds, there are more ethical and professional ways, not by putting students under the sun or at risk in public places. The main focus of tahfiz students is memorizing the Qur’an and religious knowledge, not generating profit for the institution,” he emphasized.
As of now, no official statement has been released by the management of the alleged tahfiz center. Media outlets are currently attempting to obtain a response and explanation from the parties involved.
The public is advised to channel contributions to recognized and registered tahfiz centers to ensure that funds are properly used for the welfare and education of the students.
(Leakim Otid)
