INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA — As an advanced country in information technology, South Korea has shown a remarkable ability to integrate IT innovation in various aspects of daily life, including religion. Da’wah, or the spread of religious teachings, has become one of the most important aspects of Muslim life in South Korea.
This Ramadan 1445 AH, Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin, Dompet Dhuafa’s Dai Ambassador in South Korea, has shown remarkable innovation in carrying out his preaching duties at Al Anwar Mosque in Incheon Seogu. He utilises various information technologies, such as online quiz platforms and others, to preach.
Dompet Dhuafa’s Dai Ambassadors, who are religious ambassadors assigned to spread the teachings of Islam, have taken a creative and progressive approach in engaging the congregation of Masjid Al Anwar Incheon Seogu. One of the main innovations introduced is the use of online quiz platforms, such as Quizizz, to support the learning process and interaction with the congregation.
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Quizizz is an online quiz platform that is popular among Muslims in various parts of the world. Ustaz Ihya uses this platform to organise periodic quiz sessions after Tarawih prayers or in other recitation events at Al Anwar Mosque. Through these quizzes, worshippers are invited to test their knowledge of Islamic teachings, history, and other religious practices.
These quizzes not only provide an opportunity to improve religious knowledge, but also a fun and interactive tool for the congregation. With scores displayed live after the quiz is completed, a healthy competition is created amongst the congregation, which indirectly spurs a passion to learn more about religion.
Apart from Quizizz, the Dai Ambassadors also utilise various other technologies in their efforts to enhance da’wah at Masjid Al Anwar Incheon Seogu. These include social media, religious learning apps, and recorded lectures
Dakwah with Social Media
Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin is active in utilising social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to spread religious messages, announce religious events, and promote mosque activities to the wider Muslim community in South Korea.
Da’wah with Religious Learning Apps
Ustaz Ihya also recommends and shares Islamic learning apps with his congregation. These learning apps allow worshippers to deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings outside of mosque times.
Da’wah with Recorded Lectures
Lectures and recitations at the mosque are recorded and uploaded live to online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, making them accessible to worshippers who cannot attend the mosque in person.
The utilisation of information technology in da’wah at Masjid Al Anwar Incheon Seogu has brought significant positive impacts. In addition to increasing the religious knowledge of the congregation, this approach has also helped to strengthen the bond between the Dai Ambassadors and the congregation, as well as increase the involvement of the congregation in religious activities.
The utilisation of information technology also reflects the adaptability and openness of spreading religious teachings in the digital age. It shows that Islamic da’wah is not only relevant to the times, but also able to adapt to technological developments to reach more people and spread religious messages more effectively.
By continuing to explore the potential of information technology, South Korea’s Dai Ambassadors can continue to develop innovative approaches to da’wah, help strengthen and expand Muslim community networks, and strengthen religious understanding among the congregation.
Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin, Dompet Dhuafa 2024 Dai Ambassador