SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — In the midst of the bustling city of Seoul, there was an unusual encounter between Dompet Dhuafa’s Dai Ambassador, Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin, and Imam Abdurrahman Lee, Chairman of the Korean Muslim Federation (KMF) and the high priest of the Itaewon Mosque in Seoul. Despite being in the middle of different cultural contexts, a warm and friendly atmosphere can still be created when the two sit together, discussing religious values, challenges in building interfaith harmony, and efforts to strengthen cross-cultural cooperation.
Ustaz Ihya himself is an international da’wah ambassador of Dompet Dhuafa, a philanthropic organization that stands on five pillars; education, health, economy, social, and da’wah, and advocates for peace and tolerance between religions. The discussion between them began with an exchange of personal experiences in promoting peace and tolerance.
Ustaz Ihya shares stories about his da’wah safari trips to various countries around the world. Also about his interactions with various interfaith communities. Imam Lee, on the other hand, shared his experiences while leading the Korean Muslim Federation, as well as his efforts to expand the understanding of Islam in South Korea, and strengthen interfaith relations in his country.
Despite having very different backgrounds, Ustaz Ihya and Imam Lee found many similarities in their beliefs about the importance of dialog and mutual understanding between religious communities. They agree that to achieve true peace and harmony, it is important to build bridges of understanding and cooperation with various religious communities.
When talking about the challenges faced in building interfaith tolerance and harmony, Ustaz Ihya and Imam Lee both reflected on the importance of countering prejudices and stereotypes that often get in the way of productive dialog. They agreed that education about religious and cultural pluralism should start early, and that building awareness of diversity is key to creating an inclusive and empathetic society.
As the discussion progressed, the atmosphere grew warmer, filled with laughter and inspiring stories. Ustaz Ihya and Imam Lee exchanged ideas about projects they could undertake together to strengthen tolerance and harmony in South Korea and around the world. They committed to help strengthen each other in organizing interfaith dialogue events, workshops, and other initiatives that allow people from different religious backgrounds to meet, share experiences, and build meaningful connections.
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At the end of their meeting, Ustaz Ihya and Imam Lee parted with a handshake, a hug, and exchanged business cards to maintain good communication and opportunities for future cooperation. They also left feeling inspired and determined to continue their efforts to strengthen interfaith tolerance and harmony. Despite coming from different cultures and traditions, Ustaz Ihya and Imam Lee found common ground in their vision for a more peaceful and inclusive world.
Their meeting in Seoul is proof that when people are willing to listen and learn from each other, strong and meaningful relationships can be formed. Overcoming boundaries that may have seemed unbridgeable before.
Ustaz Ihya Ulumudin, Dompet Dhuafa 2024 Dai Ambassador