Shaping Future Leaders of Dakwah: 23 Young Preachers Embark on a Life-Changing Journey

by: SAFIYYA NUR SAKEENA SALLEHUDDIN

JELEBU, 27 OCTOBER 2024 – Deep in the heart of Kem Kongkoi, Negeri Sembilan, a group of 23 young preachers embarked on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, leadership, and endurance.

For three days and two nights, these passionate individuals – representing Majlis Belia PERKIM from Wilayah Persekutuan, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, alongside students from UPNM, Universiti Malaya (UM), and Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS) – immersed themselves in a rigorous and transformative training program.

Organized by the International Da’wah Institute of PERKIM Kuala Lumpur (IDIPKL), the Professional Young Dai Cadre Course (Series 3/2024) was not your typical classroom lecture. Instead, it was a test of mental resilience, physical strength, and spiritual endurance – preparing these future Dai (preachers) to stand firm in their mission to spread Islam in today’s challenging world.

Beyond the Classroom: A Journey of Strength and Wisdom

“This course isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about becoming a Dai with strength, strategy, and wisdom,” shared Abdul Qawi Navine Abdullah, the Program Coordinator and Da’wah Officer at IDIPKL.

Unlike traditional lectures, this training program pushed participants to live and breathe the challenges of a Dai, honing skills in communication, leadership, and strategic da’wah. Before this, they had attended workshops on media production, video editing, and digital outreach, but this course took things a step further—shaping their character and fortitude in real-world conditions.

Night Expedition: Facing Fear in Total Darkness

The real test began on the first night, after Maghrib and Isya’ prayers. Participants were challenged to navigate a pitch-black forest, relying solely on their instincts and teamwork.

With no flashlights, they braved steep trails, crossed narrow wooden bridges, and trekked through dense undergrowth—testing not only their courage and endurance but also their ability to remain calm under pressure.

It was a lesson in resilience—one that mirrored the unpredictable challenges of spreading Islam in unfamiliar and sometimes hostile environments.

The Dawn of Strength: From Spiritual Reflection to Physical Grit

As the first light of dawn broke, the young preachers gathered for Fajr prayers, led by UPNM Cadet Muhammad Alief Najmi Sopian. A morning tazkirah on the power of selawat (blessings upon the Prophet) set the tone for another day of growth and discovery.

The physical challenges escalated as participants tackled a 400-meter-high rope bridge, testing their balance, confidence, and determination. They then ventured deep into the jungle, trekking a grueling 17-kilometer route while learning about medicinal plants and survival techniques.

Pushing Limits: From Flying Fox to Water Survival

As the sun climbed higher, so did the intensity of the training. Participants took on the Flying Fox challenge, soaring 600 meters across the treetops—a leap of faith that symbolized their courage to step beyond their comfort zones.

Then came the water confidence challenge, where they had to cross a lake using only a rope, testing their strength, endurance, and ability to trust their teammates.

At night, the focus shifted to creativity and expression. Each group performed theatrical plays, poetry recitations, and pantomimes, bringing to life themes of integrity, moral values, and the true essence of being a Dai.

The Ultimate Challenge: Survival Explorace

The final day was the ultimate test—a survival race designed to push every participant to their limits. They faced:

• Crawling through muddy trenches
• Navigating under barbed wire
• Catching catfish with their bare hands
• Trekking through deep water and rough terrain
• Maneuvering through tire tunnels
• Crawling through underground tunnels

It was more than just physical endurance. It was a lesson in patience, perseverance, and conquering fears – preparing them to handle high-pressure situations with confidence and grace.

A Brotherhood Forged in Challenge

As the course came to an end, Abdul Qawi reflected on the journey:

“This program is about more than just learning – it’s about building a strong, resilient brotherhood. These young preachers are not just future leaders; they are warriors of knowledge, faith, and perseverance. We need Dai who are mentally tough, spiritually strong, and physically resilient – ready to take on any challenge for the sake of da’wah.”

The closing ceremony saw Chief Commander Captain Suffian Harun presenting awards to the best-performing teams, while heartfelt farewells and words of gratitude filled the air.

Among the distinguished guests were:

• Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah (Da’wah & Human Development Officer, PERKIM National)
• Mohd Farhan Aslam (Chairman, PERKIM Youth Council)

As the final group photo was taken, it was clear that these 23 young Dai were leaving with more than just skills – they were leaving with unbreakable confidence, unshakable faith, and a newfound sense of purpose.

A New Generation of Professional Dai

This course was not just an event – it was the beginning of a movement. A movement to shape a new generation of preachers – resilient, adaptable, and ready to spread the message of Islam with wisdom and strength.

And as they stepped out of the camp, they knew this was only the beginning.

Da’i PERKIM participants performed the obligatory Maghrib and Isya’ prayers upon arriving at UPNM Kongkoi Camp, Jelebu.

Abdul Qawi delivered a briefing on the program to the participants.

Kongkoi Camp Head Coach, Abd Risham Haji Abd Latif (right) briefed the participants on the night expedition.

Participants prepared to trek through the bushes one by one without the aid of light or lamps.

Captain Suffian Harun (right) tested the participants’ hearing and awareness skills.

Group participants followed Captain Suffian Harun on a night expedition without any light.

UPNM Cadet participant, Muhammad Alief Najmi Sopian, led the congregational Subuh prayer, followed by a supplication after the prayer.

Muhammad Alief Najmi Sopian delivered a morning tazkirah titled ‘The Intercession of Sending Salawat’.

Da’i PERKIM participants enthusiastically performed aerobics in the morning.

Participants were introduced to parts of a tank by Risham.

One of the confidence-building activities required participants to cross a 400-meter-long bridge.

Each participant had to carefully walk across the bridge until the end.

Participants attempted to jump from a moderately high block.

Da’i participants tried to climb over an obstacle block.

One of the barbed wire obstacles that participants would have to overcome on the third day.

Participants received a briefing on jungle trekking, delivered by the on-duty trainer, Fahami Mat Yen.

Participants listened to the briefing and guidance provided by the trainer.

Risham demonstrated how to create fire using friction between metal and stone.

Fahami Mat Yen showcased rare plants found in the forest.

Dai PERKIM participants had the opportunity to take a group photo under the shade of a bamboo tree.

Participants descended a hill during the jungle trekking activity.

Participants displayed their woven ketupat palas (glutinous rice dumplings in woven palm leaves).

One of the participants attempted to weave a mat using bertam palm fronds.

Da’i PERKIM participants proudly displayed their woven crafts.

Participants collected grilled chicken and catfish that had been prepared.

Participants were briefed on the flying fox activity.

Farhan Tee prepared with safety gear before gliding down the flying fox.

Da’i participants were thrilled by the flying fox activity.

Muslimah Da’i participants were also eager to take on the flying fox challenge.

Participants prayed before starting the water confidence activity.

Participants enjoyed themselves during the water confidence activity.

Participants displayed confidence while crossing the lake during the water confidence activity.

Group 2 participants performed a skit on the topic of etiquette.

Group 2 participants performed a nasyid song titled ‘Keluarga Bahagia’ (Happy Family).

One of the performances by Group 4 was a skit about running away from home.

Some of the Group 4 participants who performed in the skit that night.

A theatrical showcase was presented by Group 1.

Group 1 delivered a performance of pantun, syair, and sajak (traditional Malay poetry) titled ‘Integrity as a Catalyst for Personal Excellence’.

Group 3 participants acted out societal issues involving immoral behavior.

One of the Group 3 participants delivered words of wisdom to the audience.

Daie PERKIM together doing exercise activities on the third day.

Exercise is important for personal health.

Among the activities, each participant had to fill a water bottle using the palm of their hand.

Participants have to wade through muddy ditches to gain self-confidence.

Participants challenged themselves to be in a ditch filled with mud.

Participants have to traverse the iron wire while lying face down.

Group participants are required to catch catfish in the pond using their hands.

Participants in group 4 who successfully caught catfish using their hands.

The success of group 4 participants shows the catfish that they have caught.

Among the easy challenges is where participants have to step into each tire hole.

Dai PERKIM participants who successfully overcome all obstacles.

Group 1 won the prize for the steadiest group.

The most sporting group was won by group 3.

Group 2 was awarded the most cheerful group.

Group 4 won the prize for the most havoc group.

Da’i PERKIM participants took a group photo with the trainers at the end of the course as a keepsake.