SOUTH KOREA — While carrying out his da’wah duties as Dompet Dhuafa’s Dai Ambassador in South Korea, an interesting meeting was experienced by Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin. Unintentionally, he was brought together with a talented volleyball athlete from Indonesia from the South Korean Red Sparks Team, Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi. This meeting attracted quite a lot of attention, as both individuals come from different backgrounds, but have the same mission and interest in establishing relations between nations through religion and sports.
Ustaz Ihya, who is a representative of Dompet Dhuafa from Indonesia, has an important role in strengthening good relations between Indonesia and South Korea through the spread of religious understanding. Especially related to ziswaf, akidah, akhlak, ubudiyah, and qur-dis. With his extensive duties, a Dai Ambassador is responsible for promoting religious understanding through Indonesian culture, arts, education, and sports abroad. One effective way is by establishing personal relationships with important individuals in the destination country, including sports athletes.
On the other hand, Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi is a volleyball athlete who has made Indonesia proud in the international arena. As a key player of Team Red Sparks, her achievements have been highlighted by many in South Korea as well as Indonesia. Her involvement in sports not only inspires the younger generation of Indonesia, but also symbolizes unity and a high spirit of competition.
The meeting between Dai Ambassador and Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi was a historic moment that strengthened the bond between sports and religious diplomacy. They both shared their experiences in the world of sports and how it can be a bridge to strengthen the relationship between sports and religion that cannot be separated. Mega, who is the only player to wear a hijab, is part of the implementation of religious understanding in accordance with the teachings of sharia.
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In addition, this meeting was also an opportunity for Ustaz Ihya as a Dai Ambassador to provide support and appreciation to Megawati for her brilliant achievements. This recognition is not only an encouragement for Megawati in her career as an athlete, but also strengthens the relationship between fellow children of the nation and the sports community in South Korea.
In conclusion, the meeting between Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin and Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi in South Korea is a clear example of how sports can be a means to build relationships among children of the nation who strengthen each other in carrying out their respective mandates as ambassadors from Indonesia. Through continuous cooperation and dialog, it is hoped that we can continue to support each other and strengthen the bonds of friendship. Not only in sports and religion, but also in other fields.
Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin, Dompet Dhuafa 2024 Dai Ambassador
Editor: Ronna