Fostering Future Dais: Thursina IIBS Sends Students to Japan in A Noble Mission
Many dream of visiting Japan to learn about cutting-edge technology, with its advanced industries, innovative cars, and fast trains. However, that was not the case for 24 Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) students who recently got the opportunity to visit the Land of The Rising Sun. They were there with a noble mission to spread Islam through the 2024 Overseas Ramadan Dawah Safari program.
Ustads Syaikhul Islam, S.Pd.I., the coordinator of the Thursina IIBS Ulama Cadre Creation program, highlighted that this initiative is part of the Education Unit's commitment to nurturing prospective da’is (missionaries) who will spread their knowledge to the community. The program covered a variety of activities such as leading prayers, delivering sermons, teaching the Quran, guiding the Thursina Banjari Club, and participating in the Dawah Safari Program.
Students who participated in this Dawah Safari Program are Muhammad Thoriqul Jihad Al Musyaffa, Muhammad Nabil Alfansyah Putra, Ahmad Fawwaz Murtadlo, Muhammad Razan Abid Baswedan, Horikawa Kazuya, Ahmedinejad Asad, Kenzie Putra Adil Notodiharjo, Abyan Motivano Zoenarto, Adhis Alvaro Safaraz Putra Ismawan, Ahmad Hakan Firastian, Muhammad Hariz Saif Jabbar, Aldy Baskoro, Fairuz Muhammad Dhulfadlli, Kafi Muhammad, Nauval Rafanda Syahputra, Ahmad Rifat Islam, Fatih Firdaus, Mukhammad Fachry Aryasatya, Muhammad Juhani Mustafa, Muh Fathir, Kyran Zuhdi Widhyadana, Muchammad Zaidan Almawardy, Muhammad Nabiil Fadhlurrahman, and Hamzah Achmad Zaky Baktir.
“There are two parts of the Dawah Safari programs, the first is done domestically in various masjids all over the country, while the second takes place overseas, with this year’s destination being Japan,” explained Ustadz Syaikhul Imam.
According to Ustadz Syaikhu, the students involved in this program underwent comprehensive preparation program, both theoretical and practical, including learning to lead congregational prayers and mastering the art of sermon. For one week in Japan, they taught at a Quran Learning Centre (TPQ) in Yokohama, as well as at the Indonesian Embassy and Masjid Indonesia in Tokyo. They also participated in a Tabligh Akbar event with the Family of the Indonesian Islamic Society (KMII) Japan, and led congregational Isya and Tarawih prayers at Masjid As Sholihin in Yokohama. Additionally, they filmed a series of Dawah videos set against the backdrop of Japanese culture. To unwind and refresh their minds, the students visited Yamanashi Gakuin University and explored the surrounding nature.
“This has been an unforgettable Ramadan for these students, who had the chance to observe the challenges faced by Muslims while fasting in a non-Muslim-dominated country,” noted Ustadz Syaikhu.
Ustadz Syaikhu hopes that this program will provide a lasting experience that has made it possible for students to serve as imams and da’is internationally while immersing themselves in a new culture. He also emphasized that regardless of the career paths they choose in the future, they are obligated to practice the spiritual knowledge they have gained at Thursina IIBS, allowing them to strengthen their faith in Allah SWT and contribute positively to their communities.