REMBAU: At the age of 25, Muhammad Allif Ibrahim made a bold decision to focus on charity work instead of looking for a stable job with a steady income.
While his peers are pursuing professional careers, the Malacca-born lad is pursuing to bring the Quran closer to the society, especially among youths and children, in his neighbourhood here in Taman Sri Rembau.
To meet the objective, Muhammad Aliff and his nine other like-minded friends, who call themselves “Rembau Awesome” brainstormed the idea of turning an old bus into a mobile al-Quran class. The bus offers convenient access to al-Quran recital class.
“I have started teaching al-Quran to small kids and adults for the past six years. During that time, I have encountered so many people who had expressed their interest to join the class, but due to various setbacks, they had to postpone their plan.
“Through this project, my friends and I envision a platform that makes it easier for everyone to learn al-Quran, and that there will be no excuses for them not being able to make it to class. We bring the class to them,” he said.
The bus, which was purchased for RM6,000 was transformed into a classroom that could fill up to 30 people at a time.
“I am fortunate that our group consist of those whom each have different expertise.
“That came in handy in the setting up of the classroom inside the bus. Some of them are experts in electrical, some are good in carpentry and some have experience working in art and design. That helps to save on our budget,” said Muhammad Aliff.
The project was funded by fees charged to students, who join the al-Quran classes held at his rental house here.
“We have 62 students from various age and backgrounds, joining the class (at the rental house), which is held from Monday to Thursday. The fee is RM30 per month and we have two other trainers conducting the class.
“Half of the collection made from the classes are utilised to fund the project, which needs about RM10,000 to complete. We share the project’s progress on our Facebook page, Pusat Pengajian Taman Al Quran, and the responses from the public, who wish to contribute, have been overwhelming,” he said.
The “Quran Bus” is now equipped with tables, chairs, air conditioner and fan, and class officially started early this year.
“We also have students from poor families and to help lessen their burden of traveling, we fetch them to and from their houses to the class.
“They are exempted from paying fees. Instead, we gave them RM5 every time they attend the class. Our intention is just to help them to join and spur their love of the al-Quran,” said Muhammad Allif who is also a father of one.
Since the feedback had been positive, Rembau Awesome is planning to build a second Quran Bus.
“We will be organising a charity break fast event at Pusat Dakwah Islamiah Paroi Seremban on June 17. The event is to collect contributions from the public who wish to donate to the cause and be a part of the project,” he said.
More information is available at the group’s Facebook page.