News & Comment

"Millennial Hijrah" of Muslim Youth in Indonesia
in the midst of the Criminalization of Dakwah Tawhid

News:

The Festival of Hijrah called Hijrah Fest 2018 in Indonesia media November really shows us the 'hijrah' flow phenomenon which is extraordinary among the Millennials. It was recorded that 21,000 Muslim youth in Indonesia enthusiastically took part in a three-day series of Islamic studies from many emerging and popular Islamic teacher (Ustadz). "I arrived at 6.30 am at the JCC Senayan. There were thousands of people gathered there. All were orderly to take part in the 'Hijrah Fest' event. And the ticket a week before was 'sold out' even though quite expensive,'' Agustia Krisanti - a young expatriate in Jakarta - Sunday afternoon, to Republika (11/11). If the day before people were busy looking for tickets to the Guns N 'Roses concert or tickets to the Bohemian Rhapsody movie, these sold out tickets were not both. This is a HIJRAH FEST 2018 ticket, which the price is also quite expensive for young people. A da'wah event for 3 consecutive days held by Hijrah community activists at the Jakarta Convention Centre, Jakarta.

One of the enthusiasms of the community was because the activity was initiated by a celebrity hijrah public figure, and the popular ustadzs and da’i. "This is a tremendous appreciation from the scholars who attended this event. They know our sincere intention to hijrah, unite, we are tired of separating, we are united in this event," said Steven Indra Wibowo, Head of Security for Hijrah Fest 2018.

Comment:

This is an extraordinary phenomenon that happening in Indonesia. The most interesting point is this awareness wave of Hijrah (changed back to Islam) has occurred in the midst of a hot political situation. The regime is increasingly seen as hostile to Islam, especially to HTI (Hizb ut Tahrir Indonesia) – an Islamic organization that they labeled as radical group. The criminalization and burning of the Tawhid flag because considered as a flag of the HTI group was still warm happened, however a “tauhid hat campaign” was popularized by celebrities who did Hijrah and received a warm welcome from the youth. So no wonder, the liberal group frontman even accused the Hijrah Fest ridden by HTI.

On the other hand, this event actually shows us the great potential of Islamic awakening from Millennial Generation Muslims in Indonesia for the future of Ummah. Longing for the birth of the millennial generation who prosper mosques and madrasah is increasingly relieved. The generation who are proud of their Islamic identity, even though evil efforts to obscure Islamic teachings happening systematically everywhere. Those who remain firm in establishing ukhuwah (brotherhood) despite differences in harokah (party affiliation) or mazhab (school of thought) which are often exploited by those who want to divide Islam. Those who are diligent in studying Islam, even though they meet the minimal Islamic studies at their school or campus.

On the other hand, the great work awaits us. Escorting the HIjrah process of the millennials towards true hijrah process as the hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) will be a difficult and tiring journey. Citing the views of Abdul Mu'ti – a central executive of Muhammadiyah – that although this phenomenon very interesting, this could be just a trend. Hijrah Fest can be a new flow of Islamic movements with conditional: they have consistent strong figures, solutive movements and down to earth, and are not used as a political vehicle for the main figures. If one of these three things do not exist, according to him the trend can disappear quickly.

Yes, what is really needed now is the exemplary, sincerity and a powerful Islamic political leadership with a mature blue print and clear road map for the true Islamic awakening to escort this wave. Ulama, mass organizations and activists must unite, close ranks to foster this generation into a golden generation, khairu ummah, (best of mankind), a generation that has long been waiting for birth ... Masha Allah.

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَالَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَاهَدُوا۟ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ﴾

“Indeed, those who have believed and those who have emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah - those expect the mercy of Allah. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Al Baqoroh: 218]

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Fika Komara
Member of Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir