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Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) has taken a great step in offering valuable experience for its students. This year, the Dakwah Journey program was headed to the Netherlands. The agendas in the land of windmills were not just a trip, but a deep understanding about the essence of international da'wah, therefore students have global insight and contribution.

As many as nine students and a supervisor stayed in the Badhoevedorp, Haarlemmermeer, near to Schiphol, Noord-Holland, Netherlands during March 4-15, 2025. H. Ramedan, M.Pd.I., as a teacher of Islamic Studies in Thursina IIBS and supervisor emphasized that the experience of preaching abroad is necessary. The event had introduced students to the dynamics of preaching in the midst of European society which has diverse views. They participated in religious activities there, as well as built their character and self-confidence.

Selecting Netherland as the destinated country has related with long history between the two nations. Also, the Netherland has a fairly large Muslim community, including the Indonesian Muslims which are active in Islamic campaigns. Thursina IIBS has collaborated with the alumni network through the European Muslim Youth Association (PPME), Amsterdam. It is  bridging students in understanding Muslims in Europe more deeply, especially in the Netherlands, regarding how to maintain their Islamic identity.

Several activities carried out, involving preaching and social projects. They were scheduled to become prayer leaders and muezzins in some mosques, including at PPME Al Ikhlas Amsterdam. Furthermore, they had opportunity to give religious lectures and teach Quran in local community. "It is valuable moment when they performed either as muezzins or prayer leaders and taught the Quran. The congregations are foreigners from the Netherlands, Moroccan and Turkish immigrants, and of course from Indonesian descent," said Ustadz Ramedan.

What's more, students visited historical places related to the advancement of Islam in the Netherlands. They discussed with the local Muslim community to understand how minority Muslims in the Netherlands sustain their faith in the midst of secular environment. Additionally, they underwent daily activities in Ramadan; iftar, reciting the Quran, and discussing about Islamic issues to embrace more comprehension of islamic religious life in Europe.

The Dakwah journey program is expected to develop in the future with high enthusiasm of students and support from various parties. Thursina IIBS would expand the scope of the destined countries. "We hope more students are able to participate, even to more countries. Thus, their da'wah experience would be richer and more diverse," concluded Ustadz Ramedan. (sls/lil)