AUSTRALIA — Being a good Muslim in a good Muslim community is not difficult. However, being a good Muslim in a non-Muslim community, especially in a secular country where all are consensual, certainly requires an uphill battle and strong determination.
When a person is tempted to commit immorality, even though faith is not strong enough to resist the temptation, at least shame on family and society can resist the desire for sin. But in a secular state, it is precisely the immorality that comes its way. The law does not prohibit it. There was no family to see, nor was there any shame to weigh. Thus, only the power of faith will be the last bastion.
For this reason, Muslim communities in Australia have become very meaningful and play a significant role in maintaining faith immunity and remaining istiqamah in living day by day in the Land of Kangaroos. Various recitation activities, taklim, education for children, and so on are like an oasis in the middle of a barren desert.
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This Ramadan 1444 H/2023, Dompet Dhuafa sent Yendri Junaidi, Lc., MA as Dai Ambassador for the Indonesian Muslim community in Australia. He accompanied Muslims and Muslims for a whole month to make the month of Ramadan more meaningful.
There is no shame for someone to learn Islam from scratch, even if born into a Muslim family and has long been labelled Muslim. This is what Ustaz Yendri found in the figure of Mr. Rudi, a permanent resident (PR) who has lived in Australia for decades. He joined the An-Nur study group managed by Dompet Dhuafa Australia, led by Ustaz Cecep Solahuddin, Lc.
That afternoon, Sunday (9/4/2023), Ustaz Yendri guided Rudi, who was already the head of five, to learn Iqra’. It seemed that he stammered, but he did not give up easily. The spirit to immediately be able to read the Qur’an radiated from his face and voice. Patiently and optimistically, Ustaz Yendri guided him slowly. His heart was touched when he saw the enthusiasm of fathers who were older than him to be able to understand Islam further.
“Those of us who have been able to read the Qur’an fluently should be more grateful. Especially those who have memorized so many juz of the Qur’an. You can even chant it with a beautiful rhythm and melodious voice. That is the real blessing,” Ustaz Yendri advised the other worshippers.
However, gratitude must be manifested in actual charity. It should not stop at words.
Ustaz Yendri continuously, not bored, reminded the congregation to be enthusiastic about chanting the Qur’an during this glorious month.
“Ramadan is almost half over, how many juz have you khatam?” he asked. (Dompet Dhuafa/Yendri Junaidi/Muthohar)