EN
ID
ACTNews, BATAM
– Changing people's customs that have been passed down from generation to
generation is an extraordinary difficulty. The story of Sunan Kalijaga who preached
Islam using shadow puppets is an example of preaching Islam through culture.
With these shadow puppets, Sunan Kalijaga instilled Islamic values to the people
of Java without them having to drastically change their culture.
This story
inspires Ustaz Salim to teach Islam to the residents of Labun Island, Pemping
Village, Belakang Padang District, Batam City. When Ustaz Salim first came to
Labun Island in 1985, the locals were still venerating local deities. The people
from outside the island also used to come to give their offerings.
"In the past
people used to make offerings for the deities that they venerated. They
believed that these deities guarded the sea and the island. This needed to be
changed gradually by teaching them the understanding of Islam with the approach
exemplified by the prophets and the saints,” he said, Sunday (6/6/2021).
Ustaz Salim slowly
changed the locals’ custom of giving offerings to Islamic gatherings and
ceremonies. During these events, the foods used as offerings are served to be
eaten together. Though it wasn’t easy, Ustaz Salim believes that the habits of
the residents will change.
"People used
to insult me. They said that I am acting against the gods, and will be cursed
for that. They also called me crazy for giving the foods meant for their gods
to humans. Slowly, I taught them Islamic values, and I explained to them why
what they were doing was wrong. I did not eliminate the custom. Rather, I
adjusted it to Islamic teachings as the saints of the past used to do,” he
said.
Ustaz Salim says
patience is very much needed in dealing with insults and rejections when one is
preaching Islam. Our duty as Muslims is simply to convey the message. In the
end, only Allah gives guidance to whom He wills.
"The most
important thing is to be patient. As you see, many have embraced Islam now.
it's not because of me. There are many factors leading to this. There have been
many immigrants; Mosques have been established, and the people’s old customs
have been adjusted to Islamic values. They no longer give offerings to their
deities," he explained
In an effort to support
Ustaz Salim's struggle, Global Zakat-ACT provided financial assistance through
Sahabat Dai Indonesia program, Sunday (6/6/2021). This program is a tangible
manifestation of the benefits of zakat that the community entrusts to Global
Zakat.[]
