FRANCE — In Ramadan 1446 AH, the Indonesian Embassy in Paris collaborated with the Indonesian Islamic Society Association in France (PERMIIP) to hold various worship activities to enliven the holy month with Indonesian citizens in France. Starting from after-noon studies, pre-iftar studies, breaking the fast with Indonesian citizens and the Muslim diaspora in Paris, congregational Isha and Tarawih prayers, and so on.
As in previous years, this year PERMIIP is once again partnering with Dompet Dhuafa to support Ramadan activities in France. Dompet Dhuafa is sending its best preachers through the 2025 Preacher Ambassador Program. This year, Dompet Dhuafa is sending Ustaz Ahmad Zulfiqar as the French Preacher Ambassador to carry out the mandate of da’wah starting on the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH.
Diaspora Thirsty for Knowledge Religion
Upon arrival in Paris, Ustaz Ahmad Zulfiqar was greeted by the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, who briefly explained the conditions of Muslim Indonesians and the diaspora in Paris. The Ramadan Program Coordinator and PERMIIP representative stated that many communities and Indonesian citizens were very enthusiastic about the schedule of studies and activities during Ramadan 1446 H. The arrival of Dai Ambassador Dompet Dhuafa was also welcomed with enthusiasm by them.
Almost every day there are tens to hundreds of diaspora and Indonesian citizens who are enthusiastic about participating in studies and various Dompet Dhuafa programs. Apart from broadcasting Ziswaf da’wah, Ustaz Ahmad Zulfiqar also explains applicative studies such as fasting fiqh, hadith studies, fiqh, and so on.
Ramadan is Always Anticipated
Ramadan is always anticipated by Muslims all over the world, including Indonesian citizens and the diaspora in Paris. Ramadan is the most awaited moment because during this month, the diaspora can once again deepen their religious knowledge while maintaining relationships through studies and the Iftar (breaking the fast) event held by the Indonesian Embassy in Paris.
So enthusiastic, the Indonesian Muslim community that is part of PERMIIP is scrambling for schedules to hold studies in their respective communities. Of course, by inviting Dai Ambassador Dompet Dhuafa.
Not a few Indonesian citizens and diaspora are married to French citizens. They also choose to embrace Islam. This Ramadan is a moment for those who have converted to Islam to deepen their knowledge of Islam.
Longing for the Call to Prayer and the Recitation of the Qur’an
One thing that the Muslims in Paris deeply long for is the sound of the call to prayer. Unlike in Indonesia, where the call to prayer can be clearly heard in unison when the time for prayer arrives.
In France, the call to prayer is never heard because it is not permitted to recite the call to prayer out loud. Muslims there can only hear the call to prayer when they go to the mosque to perform congregational prayers.
The same goes for the recitation of the Koran or murottal which is usually chanted before the prayer time in Indonesia. French Muslims have never heard it. No wonder they long so much for the chanting of the call to prayer and the recitation of the Koran. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dai Ambassador for France, Ustaz Ahmad Zulfiqar
Editor: Ronna