INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA — The moment to relax while enjoying culinary delights in the surrounding area is a special moment. How could it not be? Our daily lives today are filled with busyness and are very dynamic. This is as felt by Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin, Dompet Dhuafa’s Dai Ambassador who carries out da’wah duties in the Land of Gingseng, South Korea. Ustaz Ihya brought a mission to spread kindness, knowledge about Ziswaf, morals, and peace in South Korea. One unforgettable experience for him was when he was invited by the congregation of the Al Anwar Mosque in Incheon to enjoy Korean specialties, namely Chueo Tang, at a local shop.
Al Anwar Mosque in Incheon is not only a place of worship, but also a center of social and cultural activities for the Muslim community there. As part of the effort to expand the network of intercultural cooperation and religious understanding, especially related to Ziswaf, the congregation decided to invite Ustaz Ihya to share his experience and understanding while enjoying Korean dishes.
Chueo Tang itself is a famous traditional South Korean dish. This factor motivated the congregation of Al Anwar Mosque to introduce the food to Ustaz Ihya. The dish consists of a soup based on river thorn fish (loach) or eel / catfish-like fish that is rich in Korean flavors and spices, such as gochujang (red chili paste), garlic, ginger, and other ingredients that give a distinctive and appetizing taste.
When the preacher arrived at the Korean stall where the meeting was being held, he was warmly welcomed by some of the congregation of Al Anwar Mosque. They sat together at a lesehan table, ready to share stories and experiences while enjoying a delicious meal. When the bowl of Chueo Tang was set before them, the fragrant aroma of the soup thick with traditional spices immediately filled the room. The preacher was intrigued by the appearance of the dish and asked about the ingredients used and the way it was served. The congregation enthusiastically explained about the origin of the dish and the cooking process. They also shared stories about how Chueo Tang has become an important part of Korean food culture and is often served on special occasions and festivals.
When everyone was ready, they went ahead and enjoyed the dish. Ustaz Ihya also experienced the unique sensation of Chueo Tang which whets the appetite with its balanced spicy, sweet and savory flavors. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to not only enjoy Korean food, but also to gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture and traditions.
During the meal, the conversation between the preacher and his congregation became more lively. They share stories about daily life, religious values, and the challenges and hopes of strengthening religious understanding and intercultural relations in a multicultural community. After the meal, they spent time together talking and laughing. The preacher was very impressed with the hospitality and kindness shown by the congregation of Masjid Al Anwar.
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“This experience not only satisfied my appetite, but also taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of dialog in a relaxed atmosphere, because there will be a lot of knowledge and new horizons that will complement each other,” said Ustaz Ihya.
With a grateful heart, Ustaz Ihya also expressed his gratitude to the congregation of Al Anwar Mosque for their invitation and the unforgettable experience. They then parted ways with the hope of meeting again in the future. Whether it’s to share delicious food or to deepen religious understanding, while keeping in touch with fellow children of the nation.
Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin, Dompet Dhuafa Ambassador 2024