Author spreads word of Islam through youths<\/p>\n
Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
You cannot talk to teenagers unless you speak the same language:
\nThis logic was stuck firmly in Teguh Iman Perdana's mind when he
\nstarted writing his debut work NgeFriend sama Islam (Being
\nFriends with Islam).<\/p>\n
Recently launched here in Jakarta, the book targets young
\npeople and provides them with the basic values of Islam, which is
\npresented in a more informal, everyday language.<\/p>\n
"It's been an obsession of mine for a long time, to write a
\nreligious book for young people. I see that they had so many
\nproblems and questions regarding the values of Islam, but mediums
\nfor talking about such issues are rarely available to them. Youth
\nproblems rarely surface at Islamic forums," said the 35-year-old
\nbusinessman prior to the launching of the book.<\/p>\n
In his experience as project officer of religious interactive
\nprograms at Prambors 102.3FM, a radio station targeting youths,
\nTeguh constantly encountered young people who were curious about
\nreligious matters.<\/p>\n
"During my nine years of working on the program, I came across
\nthe realization that young people still consider religion as an
\nimportant part of their lives, but there is also confusion about
\nit," said Teguh, who was with Prambors 102.3 FM from 1990 to
\n1999.<\/p>\n
He added that recent research by Prambors showed that young
\npeople are well-informed about Islam, but that sources are
\nscarce.<\/p>\n
"They are aware that they need religion in their lives, but
\nthey don't know where to get information about Islam that is
\ncomprehensive and familiar, something with which they can
\nidentify their own lives," said the graduate of the School of
\nSocial and Political Science at the University of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Teguh said the radio program had succeeded in providing the
\ncorrect medium for young people to speak about their religion.
\nUnfortunately, the program was taken off the air for some
\nunexplained reason -- but this, in turn, pushed Teguh to write
\nhis book.<\/p>\n
The book is divided into three chapters: Yang Aneh, Yang Ajaib
\n(Strange Things, Magical Things), Agama: Kudu dan Perlu
\n(Religion: A Must and a Necessity), and Kenapa Islam (Why Islam).<\/p>\n
The first chapter deals with the very basic values about Islam
\nand their misperceptions, such as why many people relate Islam
\nwith lack of professionalism, poverty, and cruelty.<\/p>\n
The second chapter includes discussions about the morality,
\nsecularism, and the inclusiveness vs. exclusivity of Islam.<\/p>\n
The last chapter, meanwhile, focuses on the positive aspects
\nand advantages of Islam.<\/p>\n
The book is presented as a dialog between two college friends,
\nwho speak casually, complete with the latest slangs.<\/p>\n
It is clear that Teguh wants to project a more modern and
\nsophisticated face of Islam, which is illustrated by the
\ncharacterization of the two young educated Muslims, and also the
\nquotes and excerpts in the book.<\/p>\n
The topics are presented in a quite comprehensive and
\nstructured way. Browsing this book, it will probably remind you a
\nbit of Neale Donald Walsch's Conversation with God for Teenagers.
\nThe latter is probably more universal as it does not include
\ncertain religion.<\/p>\n
This book is a good effort at bringing Islam closer to those
\nyoung people wanting to know more about the religion and its
\nvalues as relevant to their stage in life.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/author-spreads-word-of-islam-through-youths-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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