3712 ORANG MASUK ISLAM SEKALIGUS BERSAMA USTADZ SABUN MANDI - Ustadz Fadlan Garamatan

Summary

This powerful story recounts the journey of a group of individuals who embark on a mission to spread Islam to remote regions of Papua, Indonesia. Facing harsh conditions, they overcome obstacles such as limited resources and local customs, using creative methods like exchanging essential supplies for travel tickets. Their journey leads them to a community in desperate need of guidance, where they introduce basic hygiene practices alongside Islam. The heartfelt transformation of the community, their acceptance of Islam, and the impactful leadership of the group highlight the profound change and devotion in the face of adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The journey of dawah (preaching) to remote areas of Wamena began with a group of 20 individuals who faced great challenges to spread Islam in a distant location.
• 😀 Despite the physical and emotional difficulties, including walking for months and facing exhaustion, the team persisted with the goal of bringing Islamic teachings to an underserved community.
• 😀 The group faced extreme poverty and lack of basic necessities in the remote areas, where indigenous people lived without proper clothing, hygiene, or basic sanitation.
• 😀 The team used a creative approach by initially offering hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, and other essentials, which helped gain the trust of the local community.
• 😀 By using these products, the group engaged in a gradual process of cultural transformation, showing the importance of cleanliness as part of Islamic teachings.
• 😀 The spiritual and physical impact of basic hygiene practices was profound, as a local tribal leader experienced physical rejuvenation after using the soap and shampoo, which became a turning point for the community.
• 😀 After the leader's transformation, he began sharing the message of Islam with others, leading to the acceptance of Islam by many in the community, including over 3,700 people.
• 😀 The introduction of prayer rituals (Salat) was also a key moment, with the community learning the significance of each action in worship, including bowing (ruku) and prostrating (sujud).
• 😀 The cultural and religious education continued, with efforts to change the names of converts to reflect Islamic tradition, and even a mass circumcision (hitanan) event was held to further integrate the community into Islam.
• 😀 The speaker emphasized that true success in dawah is not just about converting people, but helping them transform in all aspects of life, including their health, lifestyle, and spiritual connection with God.

Q & A

What was the main challenge faced by the speaker and their group during their journey from Jayapura to Wamena?

The main challenge faced was the difficulty of traveling on foot from Jayapura to Wamena, which was a long and exhausting journey. The group initially planned to walk, but after one month, the journey became too strenuous, and the group had to reconsider their approach.

Why did the speaker and their group resort to using false identities?

They used false identities to avoid difficulties in purchasing plane tickets. By changing their names to more common ones, they were able to successfully buy tickets and travel to Wamena to continue their mission.

How did the local people in Wamena live, and what was their condition when the group arrived?

The local people in Wamena lived in extremely poor conditions. They lacked clothing, used animal fat for bathing, and faced severe health and hygiene issues. The speaker was shocked to witness their dire situation.

What was the significance of the group's approach to teaching hygiene and cleanliness in Wamena?

The group's approach to teaching hygiene, using soap and shampoo, symbolized a method of improving the locals' physical and spiritual well-being. By showing them cleanliness and offering basic health practices, they built rapport and initiated their religious mission.

What role did the head of the tribe play in the group's efforts to spread Islam?

The head of the tribe became a key figure in spreading Islam within the community. After experiencing cleanliness and the benefits of proper hygiene, he supported the teachings of Islam and helped convince the local people to follow the faith.

What was the significance of the group's prayers and actions during their time in Wamena?

The group's prayers and actions were meant to demonstrate their submission to Allah and emphasize the importance of religious rituals, such as prayer (salat), humility (sujud), and serving the community's needs. These actions served as both spiritual and practical guidance for the locals.

How did the head of the tribe and the local people react to learning about the Islamic faith?

The head of the tribe, after witnessing the practices of Islam, declared it to be the true faith. The local people, impressed by the group's teachings and actions, also embraced Islam and declared the shahada (testimony of faith).

What role did the Indonesian President, Soeharto, play in supporting the group's mission?

President Soeharto supported the group's mission by facilitating their journey to Jakarta, where they met with him. He helped them secure resources for their work, such as funding for houses, supplies like soap and shampoo, and even contributions for building mosques.

What challenges did the group face when trying to get local people to use proper clothing and footwear?

The local people had never used footwear before, as their feet were too large for available shoes. This presented a challenge for the group in introducing basic clothing and footwear, though they eventually adapted and found solutions.

What was the broader impact of the group's efforts in Wamena and the surrounding areas?

The group's efforts led to the conversion of many locals to Islam, as well as the establishment of a more hygienic and organized community. Their efforts also gained attention from higher authorities, including the President, who supported their cause with resources for further development.