Grooming the next generation
Three Da’i Pendakwah Nusantara Season 6 finalists tell Tahir Alhamzah their aspirations
TV3’S religious-based reality programme Da’i Pendakwah Nusantara Season 6 finalists Da’i Adam, Da’i Haziq and Da’i Imran seem ready for their final battle tonight.
Seated calmly during a media interview a few days earlier, each of them answered questions from reporters like a pro.
Perhaps after 10 weeks of being under the limelight and the pressure of challenges on the show, must have contributed to their confidence.
In fact, they are more than ready to head out into the world to realise their individual vision.
“The aim of the programme is to create more all-rounded young individuals in the public sphere,” says Ustaz Fakhrul Radhi Khamaruddin, one of two murabbi (mentors) on the show.
“We focus on the correct way of reciting the Quran, with proper tajweed (rules on pronunciation) as well as tarannum (reciting Quranic verses with a beautiful melody so as to complement the divine content),” adds the 32-year-old mentor, who is also a member of nasyid group, UNIC.
Fakhrul stresses that while it’s important to have a strong grasp of Islamic principles to preach, the ability to recite Quranic verses correctly is the most basic requirement for an Islamic clergyman.
GETTING WITH THE TIMES
Contestants havebeen exposed to the reality of today’s world as well and taught to communicate with the masses.
“Communications today is not like what it used to be 30 years ago. We now have social media, and missionaries need to jump onto the bandwagon.
“But one has to be careful about it. There’s a thin line separating one from getting too excited aboutgoing viral and being a source of reference for the public that will also earn their respect,” says Fakhrul.
“We believe branding is important, so we want to prepare these young contestants early on. But some of them, who’re of the Gen Y group, already have their own followers way before they appeared on TV!”
MISSION WITH VISION
For Da’i Adam, 26, whose full name is Muhammad Adam Muhibullah Abdullah, it was a pleasant surprise that he came this far on the show.
In fact, having only converted to Islam eight years ago, he wasn’t sure initially of going to the audition for the programme.
“When a friend asked me to go along for the audition, I wasn’t sure if I’d even get through the preliminary round but Alhamdulillah, I did and here I am,” says the Ranau-born, who has another semester to complete his studies at Selangor International Islamic University College .
Adam says that his aim is to gain knowledge and experience from his participation in the programme.
“I’ve learnt so much from this show for the past 10 weeks. Even if I don’t win, I already feel like a winner for making it to the finals,” says Adam, who wants to inspire Muslim converts.
He admits that his two friends in the finals are more likely to emerge as this season’s champion.
“Imagine my struggle to memorise The Quranic verses and the Hadith (record of the traditions or sayings of Prophet Muhammad). But conquering my own fears at this final challenge is my main goal.”
MATTERS OF FINANCE
Meanwhile, Da’i Haziq, 22, dispels the perception that the programme is only for those with a formal Islamic education background.
Hailing from Ipoh, Perak, this finalist, whose full name is Haziq Safwan Norzaman, is a second-year accountancy and finance student from the University of Leeds.
“Of all the contestants, I’d say that I’m the one with the least background in Islamic education. I did go to a religious school for a while but changed to the regular national school not long after,” he shares.
“What I observed from my stay in the United Kingdom is that even in a country where Islam is not thefaith of the majority, we can still apply its basic principles in life in general.”
Asked if he has any expectations for tonight, he says: “Well, if I do win, it’d be a good launch pad to go out there to carry on with my mission, which is to be the voice or reference point for Muslims in the world of finance and accounting.”
FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Da’i Imran, the youngest of the finalists at 21, doesn’t think that his age has much impact on becoming an Islamic preacher or to even win the Da’i Pendakwah Nusantara title.
“Maturity comes at a different age for each individual. What matters is the knowledge that we have and how we impart it for the benefit of others and how impactful it is to the audience,” says the diploma holder from Darul Quran Jakim, whose full name is Imran Mohd Zaki.
“A preacher is not a know-it-all. When it comes to religious matters, if you don’t know the answer to one question, it’s okay to admit it and refer to someone who’s more knowledgeable,” says Imran, who will further his studies in Islamic theology at Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey next month.
This season’s champion will receive RM60,000 and an umrah package for two. The first runner-up will get RM15,000 and an umrah package for one, followed by RM12,000 for the third place.
Produced by Primeworks Studios for TV3, the programme is co-hosted by Datuk Rosyam Noor and Da’i Izzhar Nazri (Da’i Season 2 second runnerup). Its main sponsor is Almas Beauty & Health, while Siti Khadijah Apparel is co-sponsor.
Even if I don’t win, I already feel like a winner for making it to the finals. Da’i Adam