Samosir is indeed an exotic place, but behind its beauty lies a struggle. One of those struggling is Ust. M. Sya’ban, who is working to build the spirit and faith of the Muslims there.
Every day, Ust. Sya’ban traverses rugged roads, dusty hills, dense forests, and remote villages. At certain points, he must remain vigilant against wild dogs that frequently roam the area.
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In the village of Tambun Sungkean, Onan Runggu Subdistrict, Samosir Regency, Ust. Sya’ban leads two study groups. In the afternoon for women, and in the evening for men, with approximately 20 to 40 attendees from various surrounding areas.
In the afternoon, he also teaches children in a religious study class and lessons on monotheism, attended by around 20 young students.
One of the major challenges is guiding Muslim high school students to avoid participating in mandatory religious activities organized by the school, while maintaining harmonious social relationships.
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With the significant distance between the training locations across three districts, which is approximately 30 kilometers in one trip, this undoubtedly makes every step challenging for him as a da’i dedicated to continuing his efforts to educate the Muslim minority community amidst a community of different beliefs.
Despite the limitations, Ust. Sya’ban’s dedication and the enthusiasm of the Muslim community serve as a beacon of hope. With support from various parties, this effort is expected to strengthen the presence of the Muslim minority in Batak land. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Photo and Text: Dian Mulyadi
Editor: Syafira