Statement Of Motivation : Life Of Muslim In Germany 2017

    Today, talks about Islam and the Muslim community in western countries are among the topics of interest. This is not due to the significant development but also the impact on the socio-political life of these countries. In most European countries, Islam has become the second largest religion and today's acquisition has begun to be counted as a "government-certified" religion. One of the countries with a large Muslim population is Germany, with a total of 3.7 million. Since 2011 at Senior High School when I formed a organization of school dakwah called Rohani Islam and joined the national dakwah community of Muhajirin Anshor, I have much to understand about the studies and history of Islamic development. In this essay, I want to explain three points why I have an interest in the life of Muslims in Germany who are still minorities.
    My first interest from the phenomenon that attracts people to Islam is quite high. The famous German’s magazine Der Spiegel once mentioned between July 2004 and June 2005 there were about 4000 people in Germany converted to Islam. Interestingly, this phenomenon occurs greatly as western media intensively associate Islam with the issue of terrorism.
    Monika Wohlrab-Sahr, student of the Institut für Kulturwissenschaften University of Leipzig in her study stated that in many cases, the perpetrators of this conversion experience the problem of life and find solutions in Islam, not because comparing it with other religions, who often gag. In addition, Monika also mentions more discipline and submission in Islam. One of the converts was attracted to Islam because this doctrine clearly details the life guidance for his people. There is also a doubling of Islam that once retreated from western civilization, but its teachings still remain relevant until today. (source: http://zainulfuad.wordpress.com)
    Another reason, Pasal 4 Ayat 1 of German Constitution (Grundgesetz), mention Die Freiheit des Glaubens, des Gewissens und die Freiheit des religiösen und weltanschaulichen Bekenntnisses sind unverletzlich. (Freedom of religion and having a philosophical view of life should not be disturbed).
    Indeed, there are some cases where Muslims get in Germany for example in the case of hijab. However, this is a phenomenal case and does not alter government crimes against Muslims. In general, German society highly values religious freedom. A survey by Stiftung Konrad Adenauer shows that two-thirds of polls believe that Muslims should be given the freedom to practice their religion.
Then, my third reason is behind the challenges that in the spread of Islam in Germany, Islam has been permitted for Muslim students in public schools. Not only at the school level, Islamic education also starts at the academic level. Education at this academic level can provide solutions to the problems of Muslim life in diversity.
    From the facts and reasons of interest above, make me believe that behind the fear that comes emerging because the Muslims there is a minority. The possibility of discrimination often can not be wiped out of the mind. Especially related to negative news published in the media, Islam in the eyes of the international is getting worse. However, I am convinced that every Muslim in Europe always tries to exemplify being a good Muslim, in accordance with the rules of religion, The Qur'an and Hadits.
    If elected to participate in the Life of Muslims in Germany: Study Trip Program 2017, I am sure there will be a lot of knowledge about the development of Islam in the world, overcoming problems from people who do not know Islam literally, and the use of technology in education that encourages the development of Islam More broadly. It can add to my scientific treasures. My expectation in Life of Muslims in Germany: Study Trip Program 2017can be my means to develop the wings in the da'wah for my life and surroundings, and allow me to contribute more in the spread of Islam as the religion of Rahmatan Lil Alamin.
    When I get this program, I want to take on the role of a student and a journalist by committing to spread my experience through writings that can be published in the media. In addition, I will be active as an Islamic missionary by providing materials in various journalistic training, Islamic studies, and campus organizations about what I get during a participant at Life of Muslims in Germany: Study Trip Program 2017.
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[Tulisan di atas merupakan statement of motivation yang menjadi salah satu persyaratan dalam mengikuti seleksi Life of Muslims in Germany 2017. Meski belum dapat kesempatan untuk lolos dalam program tersebut, semoga tulisan ini dapat bermanfaat bagi para pembaca]