Visit Baiturrahman Mosque, Rico Waas Urges Young Generation to Make Mosques a Fortress Against the Dangers of Gadgets and Drugs

The Mayor of Medan has called on the younger generation to make mosques a fortress against the onslaught of negative influences from gadgets and drugs.

This call was made during an event for the Special Ramadan Safari for Nuzulul Qur’an and the Opening of the Ramadan 1447 H Fast-Track Islamic Boarding School, held at the Baiturrahman Mosque on Menteng II Bromo Street, Medan Denai District.

The Mayor highlighted the social phenomenon where dependence on gadgets is beginning to erode human relationships. He reminded the public not to neglect the people around them just because they are busy with their phone screens.

“Our children, and even we adults, sometimes get too absorbed in our own phones. We must limit this to maintain social bonds,” he said.

In addition to the gadget issue, the threat of drugs in Medan is also a serious concern. Therefore, the Mayor entrusted a message to the local mosque youth communication board and the mosque management board to make the mosque a safe house or defensive fortress for young people so they do not fall into negative activities.

“Invite our young people to engage in activities at the mosque. Do not let them turn to negative things because there is no space for positive expression,” he stated.

For this reason, the Mayor expressed appreciation for the opening of the Ramadan 1447 H fast-track Islamic boarding school. Because activities like this are very important for building the character of the nation’s children.

“We are approaching the Golden Generation of 2045, where the main foundation is religious and moral education from an early age,” he added.

Not only speaking about religion, the Mayor also gave strict instructions to the ranks of government officials present, including district and village heads.

“There must be no more illegal levies in administrative services. Work professionally because our duty is to serve the people,” he emphasized.

On that occasion, the Mayor also handed over a package of Al-Qur’an aid to the management of the Baiturrahman Mosque. This assistance was also given as a form of appreciation to the mosque management for running economic empowerment programs, so that the Mosque is not just a place of worship, but also a place to support community welfare.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Baiturrahman Mosque Management Board, in his speech, outlined a number of concrete programs that have been running consistently at the Baiturrahman Mosque, including monthly assistance for orphans and the underprivileged, youth empowerment through the construction of a coffee hall as an economic space for young people, evening Quran recitation and fast-track Islamic boarding schools for children in Medan Denai, as well as free health checks and blood donation every three months.

The event was also attended by the Chairman of the Provincial Board and the Chairman of the City Board, as well as leaders of Regional Agencies within the Medan City Government.