MAJALENGKA – macakata.com – Despite their physical blindness, visually impaired students at SLB A YPLB Majalengka prove that the holy month of Ramadan can be filled with productive activities, one of which is their passion for visually impaired playing chess. This routine has become an integral part of their daily lives during fasting.
Yes, these visually impaired students spend their free time during Ramadan playing chess. Though it requires special adaptations, their enthusiasm rivals that of sighted chess players. This activity is not just entertainment but also hones their concentration and strategic thinking, aligning with the values of patience emphasized in the holy month.
The chessboard and pieces they use are uniquely designed. The black and white squares are uneven: black squares are two inches higher, while white squares are lower. Each hole on the board is specially crafted to anchor the pieces, enabling visually impaired students to play chess without worrying about disarray. During Ramadan, this board is used more frequently as students spend more time at school after classes.
The chess pieces feature handles resembling wayang (traditional puppet) grips, ensuring stability. This innovation allows visually impaired students to play smoothly, even while fasting during Ramadan. “With this tool, we can focus on the game without physical limitations,” said Rahmat, a student at SLB A Majalengka, on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Rahmat added that this is his fourth Ramadan at the school-cum-dormitory. “Playing chess is my favorite activity during fasting. Here, I can interact with friends while sharpening my mind,” he said. He feels more comfortable at school due to its supportive environment. “At home, there are fewer friends to play chess with. Here, Ramadan feels more meaningful,” he shared.
Another student, Ita Purnama, expressed similar sentiments. Though female, she excels at playing chess and often challenges Rahmat. “Praise be to God, Ramadan at this school is always joyful. Besides communal iftar, we also improve our skills through chess,” she said. Ita admits this activity keeps her productive despite fasting.
Agus, the school’s administrator, explained that during Ramadan, learning activities continue with adjusted schedules. “We ensure students don’t get exhausted. Visually impaired students playing chess is one way to fill the gap between study hours and iftar,” he said. According to Agus, chess also cultivates patience, a virtue synonymous with Ramadan.
Additionally, the school often hosts communal iftar events. “In previous years, we organized iftar gatherings with chess as entertainment. Though this year’s schedule is pending, the spirit of togetherness in Ramadan remains strong,” Agus added.
Chess as a Self-Development Tool in the Holy Month
Beyond a game, chess serves as a means of self-development for visually impaired students during Ramadan. They dedicate 1-2 hours daily to strategy practice. “We often hold internal tournaments. This trains our mentality and fills time after Quran recitation,” said Dani, another student who has won a regency-level chess tournament.
Ramadan is also a time to enhance cognitive abilities. Teachers frequently assign chess puzzles to solve before iftar. “It’s like an adrenaline-pumping challenge. Solving them brings immense satisfaction,” Dani remarked.
Synergy Between Worship and Physical Activity
Balancing worship and physical activity is a priority. After Zuhr prayers, students gather in the hall to play chess while waiting for Asr. “We also discuss Ramadan’s spiritual essence during games. This enriches their understanding,” explained Siti, a teacher.
Evenings are filled with Tarawih prayers and Quran recitation. However, some students still squeeze in chess sessions post-tadarus. “It’s a tradition. Ramadan feels incomplete without chess,” Rahmat joked.
Community Support and Future Aspirations
Local community enthusiasm amplifies these activities. Donors often gift new chessboards during Ramadan. “We’re deeply grateful. These tools keep students motivated,” Agus said. He hopes to organize inter-SLB chess tournaments across West Java during future Ramadans.
Collaborations with local chess communities are also in progress. “We want students to interact with external groups, expanding their networks and learning new techniques,” he added.
Inspirational Stories Behind the Chessboard
For many students, chess symbolizes hope. Take Ita, once shy, now confident thanks to her chess achievements. “Chess taught me resilience, similar to enduring fasting temptations,” she said.
This Ramadan, she aims to defeat Rahmat in an internal tournament. “I practice after suhoor. Hopefully, I’ll win and earn blessings this holy month,” she said determinedly.
For visually impaired students at SLB A Majalengka, playing chess during Ramadan is more than a pastime. It’s proof that physical limitations don’t hinder achievement or camaraderie. Through chess, they find light in darkness, mirroring Ramadan’s essence of spiritual enlightenment. (Cil)
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