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ACTNews, KARO - For 13 years, Ustaz Khairun Qodri Pinem has been preaching Islam
in an inland village in Tanah Karo. Born in Dairi Regency, he now preaches in Kuta
Buluh Village. For years, this young ustaz has been preaching from one house to
another. He now has students both children and adults.
The father of
three also teaches Quran to children at Jabal Nur Mosque every Friday, the only
mosque in the village. Many of these children have memorized chapters from the
Quran, Still, it isn’t easy to teach Islam in predominantly non-Muslim region.
There are children who are born Muslim but do not receive proper Islamic
teaching.
Many villagers
who are already Muslims still eat food that are unlawful (haram) for Muslims,
especially during traditional celebrations. Certainly, it is not something easy
for him to change. One of his ways in transforming the local Muslim community
is giving snacks to attract children to learn the Quran.
When Global
Zakat - ACT and Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) Bank Sumatera Utara gave him
financial assistance through the Dai Tepian Negeri Program last Ramadan, he
used it not only for himself, but also for the local children. “Ustaz Qodri
will also use the money to buy small gifts for his students who memorize the
Quran and a little pocket money for his students too. He was happy when he saw
his students gathered at a local’s house which was used as temporary madrasa,” said
Sakti Wibowo from ACT North Sumatra Program Department.
Hopefully, more
generous donors especially from the Muslim community will reach out to Suka
Buluh village and other Muslim minority areas to support Islamic preaching
efforts because there are many preachers who are struggling to spread Islam in
many remote areas, "Thank you ACT and UPZ Bank Sumatra Utara for paying
attention to us," concluded Ustaz Qodri when met on Friday (11/6). []
