Kultum, Literacy, and Deep Listening

Thu, 26 Feb 2026, 05:00 WIB | By Riky Wismiron | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Social Policy

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The overdue payment issue needs to be resolved first while considering the economic conditions.

RAMADAN is a month synonymous with Kultum (seven-minute lectures). Generally, Kultum contains religious sermons, especially related to fasting and other Ramadan worship. Kultum has evolved into an oral tradition that enriches the cultural treasures of Indonesian Islam. Similar traditions are rarely found in other Muslim countries.

Kultum is an interpretation and expression of da’wah teachings. In Surat An-Nahl [QS 16]: 125, Muslims are commanded to invite people to the way of God with wisdom (wise), mauidhah hasanah (good advice), and mujadalah (dialogue).

In the hadith narrated by Imam Muslim from Abu Ruqaiyah Tamim, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said that religion is advice for Allah, His book, His messenger, the leaders, and all Muslims. Advice and mauidhah hasanah are translated in the form of da’wah bi al-lisan: speeches, lectures, and the like.

Because it is a tradition, Kultum seems to be an obligation. Ramadan is not complete without Kultum. Although, it is undeniable, much of the material is repetitive, such as Surat Al-Baqarah [QS 2]: 183 and 185 and the hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari from Abu Hurairah about forgiveness for those who fast. Repetition can be boring. However, if the congregation listens carefully (deep listening), they can memorize many verses of the Qur’an and hadith without having to practice them specifically.

In the book How To Listen: Discover The Hidden Key To Better Communication (2022), Oscar Trimboli explains that listening is a state of mind… listening is the willingness to have your mind changed. Listening is a view and a strong will to change one’s perspective.

By listening, a person will gain a vision and perspective that enriches or expands knowledge and experience. Repetition is not something in vain, but rather can strengthen memory. Many verses of the Qur’an are mentioned repeatedly. This is so that it is firmly embedded in the heart.

Deep listening consists of five related processes. First, yourself: prepare mentally to listen, intend, and give serious attention. Second, content: listen carefully, look at, and absorb the material and how it is conveyed. Third, context: explore the background of the story, pay close attention to how the material is expressed.

Fourth, unsaid: try to focus on things that are not said, but are still related to the material and context. Fifth, meaning: pay close attention to the meaning of the material, context, and things (important) that are not said.

With deep listening, a person still respects the preacher even if what is conveyed is not something new, some of it may even be wrong. With deep listening, a person can become an intelligent listener (ulu al-bab), namely those who listen to words and then follow what is best among them Surat Az-Zumar [QS 39]: 18.

With deep listening, Kultum is a literacy process that can enable Muslims to increase their religious knowledge, strengthen their faith and piety, and strengthen social bonds among the congregation. Kultum is an Islamic-based oral tradition that enriches the cultural treasures of Indonesia.

Although the potential of the digital economy is large, Indonesia still faces serious challenges in terms of literacy.

According to Eka Kurniawan, the main key to improving writing skills lies in a combination of diverse literacy intake and consistent physical exercise.

The 2022 PISA score placed Indonesian students’ reading literacy at 359 points, still below the international average.

COMMEMORATING International Education Day, The Sunan Hotel Solo successfully held “Solo Book Party – Special Edition 2 Years SBP” together with Solo Book Party (SBP).

In this city, there are many higher education institutions, and the best average in Indonesia.

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