IPOH: Nearly two decades after embracing Islam, Orang Asli preacher Wan Masindra Juja has gone from seeking answers about faith to guiding others on their spiritual journey.
His dedication was recognised yesterday when he was named Tokoh Pendakwah (Anugerah Ibnu Abbas), receiving the honour from Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah at the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration.
Expressing his gratitude, Wan Masindra said the award was a recognition not just for him but for all preachers, especially those from non-Malay backgrounds.
“Alhamdulillah, first and foremost, I thank Allah for this blessing.
“This is truly a recognition for preachers, particularly non-Malays, to show that Islam is a religion for all humanity, regardless of race,” he said when met after the ceremony.
The 44-year-old from the Temiang tribe added that such recognition serves as motivation for others who dedicate their lives to spreading Islam.
“Even a recognition like this can inspire many more preachers who may actually be more deserving than me to continue carrying out Allah’s command, which is to invite people to Islam,” he said.
Having embraced Islam 18 years ago, the father of one said his journey into dakwah began with a personal search for truth.
“As Orang Asli, we have culture, traditions and taboos, but I often asked myself, why don’t we have a specific religion like others?
“Why don’t we have a God we can name, or a systematic way of worship?
“When I saw how Malays practised Islam, the call to prayer, tarawih, congregational prayers and Qur’an studies, it sparked my interest to learn more about Islam,” he said.
Today, Wan Masindra not only preaches to the Orang Asli community but also supervises preachers guiding new Muslims in Perak.
“I was once the one being preached to, and now, Alhamdulillah, I am the one caring for them,” he said.
Despite the honour, he acknowledged that dakwah comes with challenges, particularly in sustaining the faith of new converts.
“The real challenge is not before the shahadah, but after.
“Practising Islam is not always easy, especially when today’s Muslim society is different from the Prophet’s time.
“Many new Muslims struggle, and when their faith is fragile, it becomes easy to leave Islam.
“That is why welfare and support are so important,” he said.
He said that the method of preaching also plays a key role in helping people understand Islam.
“Islam places great importance on how the message is conveyed.
“When we use the right method, God willing, people will find it easier to understand,” he said.
Wan Masindra took home RM5,000 and a plaque.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
