Iktamala Silmia, student of the Medical Faculty of Unissula became the runner-up in the Musabaqoh Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) Competition from Hifdzil Quran for 10 Juz Category throughout Java Province level held by Universitas Negeri Sebelas Maret Surakarta (UNS) on October 20, 2018. She managed to set aside dozens of participants from various public and private campuses in the regions of Central Java, West Java, East Java and Yogyakarta Spesial Region.

The event, with the theme “generasi milenial berjiwa Qur’ani wujudkan Indonesia emas”, competed in five categories, namely hifdzil Qur’an, tilawatil Qur’an, tartilil Qur’an, syarhil Qur’an, and fahmil Qur’an. Silmi claimed to be happy and did not expect to get a champion because of the heavy competition. “Alhamdulillah, thanks to the prayers of my parents, Finally, I can.” She said that for this competition she did not need special preparation.”As usual, every day I memorize it, at least 2 times a day after subuh and maghrib. In the Islamic boarding school for Unissula students, there is a special tahfidz class which is guided by Ustadz Agus Irfan.” She said.

In the competiotion session, she answered 3 questions from the jury well. According to her, among aspects of the assessment are fluency and accuracy. “Before my turn, I prepared and memorized several key words in similar verses from 1^st-10^th juz, Alhamdulillah, I could continue the verse smoothly.” For this achievement, she received a trophy, certificate, and coaching money.

In the midst of her busy lectures at the Faculty of Medicine, Unissula and she also attends the Islamic Boarding School of Sultan Agung University students, she said she could still keep memorizing the Qur’an. “Keeping the Qur’an depends on how you memorize. Don’t be in a hurry, you must slowly, be tartil, and comprehensive,” said the recipient of this Unissula tahfidz Al Qur’an scholarship.

She also shared tips for students who want to memorize the Qur’an, “don’t be afraid to start”. “At least read the Qur’an once a day, because by continuing to read, it will be spacious hearted. In addition, there is a need to be a mentor and join the community to improve enthusiasm in memorizing. However, if you feel unable to memorize, just reading it regularly and it is good as well.” said Silmi who had recited her memorization since graduating from high school.

Silmi admitted that she had just joined the Tahfidz Qur’an competition after attending Unissula, gradually. “Initially I joined the Tahfidz competition at the pesantren level, then to the university level, then went up to the Semarang level, and this was Alhamdulillah, to be given the mandate again at the Java Provincial level.” She said she wanted to join the competition again and add achievements in order to be able to make Unissula proud.