CCN, CILEGON — Amid the roar of industrial machinery and the constant glow of a city that rarely sleeps, the melodious recitation of salawat and verses from classical Islamic texts resonated from a modest circle of learning in Samangraya, Citangkil Subdistrict, on Wednesday, 31 December 2025. Dozens of young santri demonstrated that modernity is no barrier to preserving the noble traditions of Islamic scholarship.
Coinciding with the closing of 2025, the welcoming of the blessed month of Rajab, and the commemoration of the Haul of Abah Guru Sekumpul (Martapura), the gathering organised a Tahfidzul Kutub programme, focusing on the memorisation of classical texts. Remarkably, the participants were not adults, but around 30 children aged between six and eleven, who confidently recited passages from the kitab kuning with clarity and precision.
The children presented memorisations from Aqidatul Awam, a foundational text on Islamic creed, as well as Hidayatus Shibyan, an introductory guide to tajwid. At such a young age, they have been equipped with strong foundations of faith to navigate the challenges posed by rapid digitalisation and changing times.
The programme was initiated by a local youth figure, Ustadz Ardi Nurul Fajri, who has consistently pursued the path of da‘wah despite limited facilities. For him, spatial and material constraints are never an excuse to cease nurturing Islamic values among the younger generation.
“We wish to show that amid the hustle and bustle of Cilegon, there are still young shoots who cherish religious knowledge. We do not celebrate the New Year with extravagance, but by drawing closer to Allah through the legacy of the scholars’ classical texts,” said Ustadz Ardi.
The initiative also received appreciation from Ayatullah Khumaeni, Chairman of the Cilegon City Cultural Council, who regarded the activity as a tangible form of preserving religious culture within an industrial urban environment.
“What these young santri and the organisers of this learning circle are doing constitutes an essential part of our cultural heritage. The tradition of memorising classical texts, maintaining study circles, and upholding Islamic etiquette is an intangible legacy that must continue to be safeguarded,” he stated.
“”Amid Cilegon’s modernisation and industrial growth, activities such as this stand as clear markers that the community’s spiritual identity and religious culture remain alive and flourishing,” he added.
The involvement of children in memorising classical Islamic texts has brought renewed optimism to the local community. The enthusiasm shown by both the santri and their mentors reflects the vital role of youth and grassroots communities in sustaining the ecosystem of da‘wah, religious education, and local cultural values within an urban setting.
The programme concluded with a collective prayer for the safety of the nation and blessings in the coming year, while also honouring the exemplary legacy of Abah Guru Sekumpul, who during his lifetime was renowned for his deep love of knowledge, da‘wah, and compassion for humanity. (***)
