INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA — Behind the glittering city of Incheon, South Korea, lies a stunning natural beauty. It is the Cherry Blossom. Every spring, Sakura trees bloom beautifully, giving the city streets a magical feel. But this year, the beauty of Sakura has a deeper meaning for Dompet Dhuafa’s Dai Ambassador, Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin. The reason is, these cherry blossoms accompany the preacher’s journey every time he walks to the Umar Al Farouq Mosque to perform Friday prayers.
The Umar Al Farouq Mosque itself is located in the middle of the busy Incheon City, a holy place for Muslims in South Korea. Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin has a great responsibility in introducing Islamic culture and values in the country. This makes the Umar Al Farouq Mosque an important place for Ustaz Ihya to worship, as well as socialize with local Muslims.
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That afternoon, when Ustaz Ihya was getting ready to go to the mosque, the air was still cool and fresh. However, the warmth of the cherry blossoms that began to bloom along the way, gave a new spirit to the preacher’s journey with his congregation. Surrounded by soft pink flowers, they felt as if they were in a peaceful and blessed atmosphere.
As Ustaz Ihya and some of the Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) students walked towards the mosque, they not only enjoyed the natural beauty provided by Sakura, but also felt a sense of calm and joy in their hearts. The cherry blossoms have become a constant companion on their spiritual journey to the mosque, reminding them of the beauty of Allah’s creation and encouraging them to fulfill their religious obligations.
When they arrived at the Umar Al Farouq Mosque, the atmosphere was already bustling with Muslims gathering for the Friday Prayer. Ustaz Ihya and his students joined the congregation, strengthening the bonds of togetherness and religious brotherhood. Inside the solemn mosque, they performed the Friday Prayer with solemnity and gratitude for the blessings given by Allah SWT.
After finishing their worship, Ustaz Ihya and his students left the mosque with hearts full of peace and joy. The cherry blossoms that were still blooming along the way welcomed them back, as if paying tribute to their dedication and sincerity in carrying out their great duty as ambassadors of Islam.
The journey to Masjid Umar Al Farouq in Incheon has been an unforgettable spiritual experience for Ustaz Ihya and his students. With the mesmerizing presence of Cherry Blossoms, they felt the presence of Allah Swt who always accompanies their every step in fulfilling religious obligations. As a faithful companion along the way, Sakura has brought beauty and blessings on their journey to the house of Allah.
Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin, Dompet Dhuafa Ambassador 2024