REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, By: Andi Bintang Bramastha

In these trying times, people are doing their best to maintain financial stability, positive mental health, and even relationships. In a recent survey posted on Change.org (https://www.change.org/l/id/surveiapakabarmu) during May until June, 98 percent of the survey participants claimed that they feel lonely as the lockdown continues.

Relationships are often regarded as an escape from loneliness, although it is not always the case. There is a practice on relationship building before marriage in Islam. "Taaruf" is a common practice done amongst Muslims all over the world. However, a country with the highest Muslim population seems to be not as common as one might think. 

@Jofisah.id (Jomblo Fisabilillah), a Muslim digital community under Khazanah Alwahda Kreatif, launched a two-day webinar event on Taaruf and marriage called "Bismillah, Nikah!". The event was initiated to raise awareness along with the importance of Taaruf and marriage under Islam to Muslim millennials. The event was hosted and led by Ustaz Abu Fida.

The webinar, held on August 9 and 13, explored various aspects of Taaruf and marriage. Despite it being a two-day event, Ustaz Abu Fida still has more to discuss. "I was very happy to see the event went well, and I am wishing that everyone who participated has gained new insights, but most importantly I hope that all the participants had fun. For me personally, I learned a lot from Ustaz Abu Fida’s teachings," commented CEO of Khazanah Alwahda Kreatif, Gamma Thohir, in a post-webinar discussion.

Community Lead of @Jofisah.id, Alfian Mahardika, further emphasized the importance of marriage preparation rather than the wedding itself, in his words. "Most couples spend more time preparing for the wedding than they do with the actual marriage. Premarital programs such as 'Bismillah, Nikah!' are important as it prepares for a long harmonious marriage and family life in service to Allah," said Alfian.

The two agree that they wanted to change the stigma on Taaruf before launching the event, while at the same time providing a platform for Muslim millennials to explore relationships under the teaching of Islam.

"Bismillah, Nikah!" was not the first event that @Jofisah.id has produced. An original web series called, "Tuhan, Aku Ingin Menikah" has also been produced and was released back in April on Khazanah Alwahda Kreatif’s YouTube channel (Khazanah Network) as well as on Vidio.com, available for everyone to stream. The series also explores the theme of a marriage told through a narrative.

Gamma Thohir is optimistic about the future of @Jofisah.id and as an extension, Khazanah Alwahda Kreatif. "Insya Allah this will be the first of many events that are as fun and insightful. I urge everyone to join our community as we are embracing and building a Muslim community that is open-minded as well as to spread the message of tolerance and unity," he stated.

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