BAB I
I say, nyantri
Saifuddin Ibrahim, the name my parents gave me. First name: One Pela or One Prado. Father of religion teacher. Learn the Koran from mothers and grandmothers. From both of them, I understand how far the understanding of the teachings of the Qur'an and the Bible is, especially in terms of history. I finished high school at BIMA. Praise God I got a scholarship to study at the Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta and attended religious education at the Hajjah Nuriyah Shabran Surakarta cottage. Ushuluddin Faculty majoring in comparative religion. After college, I taught at Bangsri Jepara, 1996 and taught at Darul Arqom Sawangan Islamic Boarding School, Depok, West Java.
I book this testimony for the reason that faith cannot be hidden. Faith must be expressed in the form of charity and knowledge. The second reason is that humans should not arouse religious sentiments to hate fellow humans. Third, that the Bible is a legacy of the times complete with a philosophy of life of tolerance and peace and solutions to all human problems.
In 1999 I taught at Haurgeulis Indramayu, the largest Islamic boarding school in Indonesia. Its area is 1200 hectares. Complete learning tools. In the center of the campus stands a giant seven-story mosque with a capacity of 150,000 worshipers. The basement can park up to 1000 cars. 1000 land for agriculture and livestock. From agricultural products, this pesantren has been able to meet 50% of the needs for rice, fruit and vegetables. Livestock, agriculture, fisheries all thrive. When I left the pesantren, there were 1500 heads of cows of various types, 2000 heads of sheep, 1500 goats of Etawa hybrids. And has been able to convert barren land into cool ecosystems. Everything that is desired by modern residents is ready, there are laundry, kitchen set, convenience store, checking post and even bank. Every day there are 11000 students, 2500 employees and 800 teachers. I am a board of 12 teachers, head of PR and editor of the AL Zaytun magazine. Every day the foundation has to cook 5 tons of rice, 1 ton of tempeh, 1 ton of tofu and 4 tons of fruit, 4 tons of vegetables. The foundation does any work on its own.
For 6 years I taught Alqur'an, hadith, Aqidah, Morals, Islamic cultural history and journalism. Teaching there must be versatile, have a lot of basic skills in sports, arts, skills or whatever. Because a teacher must appear prime, fit, and smart. From this pesantren, my early history of knowing God.
BAB II
The Gideons
At the end of November 2005, I received guests from The Gideons International Camp Jakarta and Camp Cirebon, a world organization that distributes Bibles for free, and our pesantren was awarded 1400 Bibles. This introduction was the bridge for me to know God. I took them around the complex, entered all the facilities and finally asked the leader of the group to pray at the mosque. After they were satisfied to go around, they were interviewed by reporters and published in our magazine. Then I sent them the proof of the news. At that time, nothing happened to my heart. They went home, we took them to their car until it disappeared from our eyes.
“Prophecy of Leaders”
The shock occurred when I was invited to cancel together in Cirebon. That day I was supposed to attend another event, but the leader changed the group leader to someone else, even though an assignment letter had been made that I was the group leader. At 12 pm the assignment letter was canceled. Finally that day I was on my usual duty (not leaving), escorting guests who visited our pesantren. At 7 pm I reported my assignment to the leadership. After reporting, I was still being talked to. Suddenly the head of the health service spoke up. "You said Ustadz Saifuddin Ibrahim who was present to cancel together in Cirebon?" The leadership immediately joked, "If Ustadz Saiffudin Ibrahim was sent to the cancellation event, he might come back to become Pastor Abraham." Everyone who heard laughed.
That day, January 16, 2006, the top leadership of the largest Islamic boarding school in Asia where I served, canceled my assignment letter. There is a feeling of sadness, I was the one who was invited, even someone else was sent. But I comforted myself that behind it there must be a great lesson, there is a big plan from God. He has prophesied for me. That's also why I (now) prefer to be called Abraham. This "prophecy" actually happened. Good for me, bad for my boss. Since the prophecy was spoken, there have been sparks in my heart and this is the fire of faith that makes it easier for me to do the migration of my heart. The small fire flared, and continued to grow. If the fire is small, it becomes a friend, the big one becomes an enemy and destroys our property. If it was an ordinary fire, maybe I could extinguish it, but this is the fire of faith, so it's hard to put out. I am unable to extinguish this fire of faith. Since my leader's "words", there has been a strange feeling going on in my heart, a burning feeling, that I must become a Christian. But how? I do not know. Will I come to churches and convert to Christianity? Wow, prestige! I was the teacher of a pesantren suddenly converted to Christianity, that is irony and absurd. And they don't necessarily dare to accept me. If I went to church, Christians would have been afraid because there were 3 Haurgeulis women who were sentenced to 3 years in prison in Indramayu for teaching church songs to toddlers and then accused of being blasphemers of religion. Even though the village used to be a majority of Christians, because of their economic difficulties they changed religions. Since my leader's "words", there has been a strange feeling going on in my heart, a burning feeling, that I must become a Christian. But how? I do not know. Will I come to churches and convert to Christianity? Wow, prestige! I was the teacher of a pesantren suddenly converted to Christianity, that is irony and absurd. And they don't necessarily dare to accept me. If I went to church, Christians would have been afraid because there were 3 Haurgeulis women who were sentenced to 3 years in prison in Indramayu for teaching church songs to toddlers and then accused of being blasphemers of religion. Even though the village used to be a majority of Christians, because of their economic difficulties they changed religions. Since my leader's "words", there has been a strange feeling going on in my heart, a burning feeling, that I must become a Christian. But how? I do not know. Will I come to churches and convert to Christianity? Wow, prestige! I was the teacher of a pesantren suddenly converted to Christianity, that is irony and absurd. And they don't necessarily dare to accept me. If I went to church, Christians would have been afraid because there were 3 Haurgeulis women who were sentenced to 3 years in prison in Indramayu for teaching church songs to toddlers and then accused of being blasphemers of religion. Even though the village used to be a majority of Christians, because of their economic difficulties they changed religions. But how? I do not know. Will I come to churches and convert to Christianity? Wow, prestige! I was the teacher of a pesantren suddenly converted to Christianity, that is irony and absurd. And they don't necessarily dare to accept me. If I went to church, Christians would have been afraid because there were 3 Haurgeulis women who were sentenced to 3 years in prison in Indramayu for teaching church songs to toddlers and then accused of being blasphemers of religion. Even though the village used to be a majority of Christians, because of their economic difficulties they changed religions. But how? I do not know. Will I come to churches and convert to Christianity? Wow, prestige! I was the teacher of a pesantren suddenly converted to Christianity, that is irony and absurd. And they don't necessarily dare to accept me. If I went to church, Christians would have been afraid because there were 3 Haurgeulis women who were sentenced to 3 years in prison in Indramayu for teaching church songs to toddlers and then accused of being blasphemers of religion. Even though the village used to be a majority of Christians, because of their economic difficulties they changed religions. If I went to church, Christians would have been afraid because there were 3 Haurgeulis women who were sentenced to 3 years in prison in Indramayu for teaching church songs to toddlers and then accused of being blasphemers of religion. Even though the village used to be a majority of Christians, because of their economic difficulties they changed religions. If I went to church, Christians would have been afraid because there were 3 Haurgeulis women who were sentenced to 3 years in prison in Indramayu for teaching church songs to toddlers and then accused of being blasphemers of religion. Even though the village used to be a majority of Christians, because of their economic difficulties they changed religions.
Actually, this feeling of despair has started since the end of 2005. I feel bored, bored and empty. In such an atmosphere I began to feel afraid of sin, afraid to die, but wanted to survive. I was like living without hope anymore. I fell into a bottomless well. I don't know when it will end. I am optimistic that someday there will be a peak atmosphere in my spiritual life, but my heart and soul emptiness continue to suppress the days that I pass.
God drew me to Him, I haven't taught for two months. When a friend comes, I tell my wife to say I'm not there even though I'm hiding in my room. "There is a motorbike!", They said. "Yes, but Abi Ibrahim is not there," said my wife, lying.
February 2006 I called Pak Bagdja, I wanted to say that I wanted to convert to Christianity.
"Hello sir, this is Ustad Saifuddin Ibrahim, do you still remember me?"
"Still!", He replied.
After pleasantries, I said I wanted to meet up.
"When can we meet?"
Then he replied, "Whenever possible."
Hearing a friendly answer like that, I got even more excited. I said "Tomorrow!" In the afternoon I arrived in Cirebon, a hotel room was prepared. But until 10 pm I couldn't tell Pak Bagdja that I wanted to convert to Christianity. Pak Bagdja returned to his house. I was alone in the hotel and promised myself, tomorrow I will say I want to convert to Christianity.
In the morning, Pak Bagdja invited me to eat Jamblang rice at the port. I still can't tell my goal to Cirebon. Until lunch, check-out from the hotel, I still can't say what I want. Until being escorted to the train station I still couldn't say anything. I took the Cirebon Express train and was supposed to get off at Indramayu but went to Jakarta. The train stopped at Gambir. I'm down. Chaotic!! Messed up all my plans! I call my friends.
Praise God that someone connected. "Accidental!" he said, "I am looking for you to be a speaker at a seminar to defend Islamic organizations that are being blasphemed by an assembly of smart people." The Ahmadiyah office in Parung was destroyed by robed anarchists. His followers were persecuted in Lombok. Their business was turned upside down, their property was confiscated and some even asked for asylum abroad.
Finally I went to the seminar. In the seminar I told the seminar participants that there was not even one holy verse which stated that groups A, B, C were heretical. They applauded, before I got off the pulpit I made a statement that heaven does not belong to anyone. Heaven does not belong to Muslims, Christians or others but heaven belongs to the people who built this world with tolerance and peace. Everyone present applauded. As soon as I got off the pulpit, a servant of God greeted me saying, "I got goosebumps hearing your statement, I have never heard from a Muslim that heaven belongs to everyone, that is, people who live in tolerance and peace." I said to myself, you can just get goosebumps, you don't know that I'm messed up.
Back to Mr. Bagja's problem. Because I couldn't speak directly, I called my tongue out, finally texting became a medium that was able to bridge the shame of my heart. I immediately texted Mr. Bagdja, "Sir, actually I met you yesterday, I want to tell you, I want to convert to Christianity."
As soon as Mr. Bagdja received the text, he was the one who messed up. Confused. He sent my SMS to his friends, also sent to the president of Gideon Indonesia, Mr. Ridwan Naftali. But there was also a friend of his who warned him to be alert, maybe I was an intruder. But Pak Bagdja prayed to calm his heart.
Since then, my work concentration has been disturbed, but I still try to look cheerful as usual. Even I enjoy it the most among the 12 teacher councils. One time my friends laughed out loud when they heard my story about Abu Nawas.
"Here you are Abu Nawas", said the king. "Ready Tuanku Raja", replied Abu Nawas.
"Kill this chicken", said the king. "Oh, that's an easy job, sir," said Abu Nawas.
"But remember Abu Nawas, how did you kill this chicken, so will I kill you. If you cut his neck, I cut your neck. If you stab his stomach, I stab your stomach. If you poison this chicken, you will poison me too. ” "Wow this is serious!", Said Abu Nawas. After Abu Nawas thought for a moment, he brought the chicken back to kill him. A moment later Abu Nawas returned with a dead chicken to the king. The king inspected the chicken, no containers were cut, poisoned or pierced. The king was surprised and asked Abu Nawas, "How did you kill this chicken?" While opening his pants and turning his back on the king, Abu Nawas showed his ass while saying, "My lord, I blew this chicken ass for a few minutes. Then this chicken dies. Please my lord blow my ass. ” The king was silent. Quiet. That day Abu Nawas received a gift from the king because of his ingenuity. As a result of my joke, Nawawi, the head of the teacher council, sentenced me to not teaching for 2 days. Maybe because it is considered too dirty.
"SIGN IN CHRISTIAN ??"
I was like a ship with a dead engine, swayed by the waves. Teaching did not concentrate, was reprimanded by the boss, but I still never told anyone, including my wife.
There is a burning desire in my heart that I must convert to Christianity.
Enter CHRISTIAN? I disagree in my heart. Where can I enter Christian !!
In my pesantren, the board of teachers is best known to the santri and santri guardians, familiar with the employees. It is well known to the people of Haurgeulis - Indramayu and their frequent visiting guests. Christianity is the belief that I fear the most, so I attack and fight! I am a cadre of the central Muhammadiyah, educated in strict discipline, guided by large organizations in Indonesia. My uncle is the founder of Muhammadiyah in Bima, my father-in-law is a figure in Jepara. I am shy.
While still in college I managed to convert 15 Christians to Islam through da'wah in the villages of Soli, Wono Giri, Sukoharjo, Klaten. I have even converted to Islam even a pastor.
Again, enter Christianity ?? Ah where can I enter Christian. As a teacher, I cannot go against what I have already taught my students. To calm my heart, I tried to read the Qur'an in the hope of not becoming a Christian. “Be grateful to Me and to both parents. To Me is your last return and when they force you to idolize Me and you have no knowledge of it, do not obey them, and stay with them in the world well and follow the path of those who return to Me. " Qs 31: 14-15. I think this verse will strengthen my Islamic faith. But it turned out to make me even more worried and want to persevere in GOD. I prayed, “God, tell me your ways. Take me to walk in Your truth. Because You are the God who saved me. Show me the straight path, the path of those whom you have bestowed favors on them. It is not the path that You are angry with nor the path that is lost. ”
The more I pondered on my old beliefs, the more confusing the path I had taken. I don't want to be like Amrozi, Imam Samudra, or Nurdin M Top.
Lo! Jesus verily knoweth the Day of Resurrection, so do not doubt the Hour. Follow me (Isa), this is the straight path, Qs 43:61. The stronger my step is to follow the shirotal mustaqim which is Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
I found the truth of this Christian teaching was not at all because of cleverness or intelligence studying the Bible first. Nor was it because of the preacher / evangelist preaching. But these are all works of the Holy Spirit. Since college I have been reading the Bible diligently. Every Sunday morning, Syamsul Hidayat and I participate in the theology that is nurtured by Kiai Arkanuddin Solo. But not to find the truth but to find verses that can support my position as a young preacher who is against the swift currents of Christian faith and attacks them. I wrote "Jilbab in the Bible" which was published in the magazine Panji Masyarakat. I also wrote "Fasting according to the Major Religions of the World", "Prayers according to the Quran and the Bible", "Love according to Islam and Christianity". It seems that I have been too stubborn to turn my face away from His Word.
I read the history of Christian figures who became Muslims such as Leopold Weiss, Ismail Alfaruqi, Roger Graudy, Mariam Jamilah including Maurice Buccaille who wrote the book "Bible, Quran and Modern Science". I really appreciate them, but it doesn't dampen my zeal to convert to Christianity. I know that they changed religions because of dissatisfaction with religious practices, the environment, their families, and the church. But I know myself very well, and I converted to Christianity not because of my strength but because of God's grace. I became a Christian not because I didn't know religion.
I have also personally met people who have converted to Islam. All are awesome, but a magical calling trumps all. Even when I was preparing this book, there were my students who cried for me after knowing I became a Christian.
"Abi is crazy", he wrote in an sms.
"I apologize to you, son," I replied sadly and shed tears.
"Dian regrets that we've met and abi taught Dian."
"I know that Dian is tired of crying all the time, I'm sorry Abi, son!", I replied again.
BAB III
March Fourth
This is the date that Mr. Bagdja and I agreed to come to Cirebon and accept Jesus as Savior. I just want Pak Bagdja and his wife to know that I converted to Christianity, I'm ashamed. At noon I was ready to take the train from Indramayu to Cirebon. 3 pm I arrived at his house. When I opened the door, I was shocked. There are 18 servants of God in the house. They are from Semarang, Cilacap, Cirebon and Jakarta. I immediately turned pale like a corpse, but I began to think that maybe many people should accept the conditions to become a Christian. As soon as I sat down I began to be asked various questions. I'm nervous, I don't like to be questioned. I refrained from getting angry. Maybe this is the second condition, if you become a Christian you have to ask questions. That afternoon I almost failed to become a Christian,
I was confused about what answer, I thought if the answer was wrong I would be rejected as a Christian. In the end I decided there was no need to answer these questions. "Sir, I am a blind man, lead me to accept Jesus, please do not ask anything". All were amazed and did not ask any more. They pulled me to the next room to make a statement on the stamp 6000. After making the statement, at 5 o'clock we prayed together. I don't usually pray with my eyes closed, while praying I open and close my eyes. Prayer was led by Pak Lukas from Semarang. After that I saw that they were all moved and had tears in their eyes. I can't cry for this kind of thing. Before I became a Christian, I didn't cry. I can only cry when I watch Indian films.
I went to Semarang for 3 days to learn to pray, the Bible, listen to tapes, and watch VCDs. Returning to Indramayu to meet family, go to Jakarta, study at their house, go home again. My wife is confused, I am even more mysterious. My next concern is moving the family and influencing the children to leave the Al Zaytun Indramayu pesantren
BAB IV
Saddam Hussein Crying
When I returned from Bima, my son number two in grade 6 SD accidentally found out that I was converted to Christianity. That afternoon, we visited Pak Anton at the house of brother Yusak Surabaya. Before leaving, my host prayed to strengthen my faith. Suddenly Saddam came in and sat next to me. Hearing this prayer he cried and grew furious. When he got to the inn he threw down his newly purchased shoes and clothes, cried in the corner and interrogated me.
"Why did you convert to Christianity?"
I did not convert to Christianity, I replied.
"But in Pak Yusak's prayer, it is clear that Abi has become a Christian"
"I did not convert to Christianity, but I repented."
"That's called converting to Christianity, Abi just dodged it."
"Ok Saddam, now which one is better at practicing religion, Christian or non-Christian?"
He thought for a moment, but what is clear is that the few days following me Saddam has been able to discern the way Christians are organized and disciplined.
"But you can advance our religion", he added.
"First answer my question Saddam."
"Christian!", He replied.
"So that's the answer why Abi converted to Christianity!"
“I know Abi is great at leading people. Abi can return to Bima and advance our religion where he was born. "
"I can only advance humans because there are guidelines that can change people according to God's will. The Bible forbids begging, goes into debt, forbids returning evil for evil. God doesn't need to be defended, we don't need to defend religion. The new agreement prohibits humans from killing humans on the basis of different beliefs. "
“Since childhood, Abi already has the New Testament, but your grandmother took it from Abi. Abi's enthusiasm continued to burn to find a school that taught the Bible. Praise God, you got a scholarship to study at the Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta, Ushuluddin faculty. "
Saddam was still restless, briefly holding his book, briefly holding the Bible. For a moment sitting on the chair, back on the bed again.
"What school is that, bi?"
"Abi studied at the Faculty of Ushuluddin, majoring in comparative religion.", I replied.
Saddam pondered, then said, "Then give Saddam the opportunity to study the comparison of religion, bi. Saddam does not want to follow the abi religion by force. "
"Well, please kid. You have wide opportunities and wish you lots of luck to achieve your goals. But abi advice, follow your abi to convert to Christianity. Because you have been doing a comparative study of religions for a long time and according to you, the right choice is Christianity. "
Saddam still refused.
"So all this time, people are religious because they follow their parents' religion, right?"
"Yes, son, 90% of people are religious because they follow their parents. Not because of awareness or learning the truth. ”, I replied.
“How are we and umi? Will abi divorce umi? ”, Saddam asked with glassy eyes.
"You are free to choose. Abi is a democratic person, but don't disturb your faith. Regarding Umi, Abi only knows one husband for one wife. Abi is responsible for umi's happiness. "
Saddam didn't cry.
"When you get home, Saddam will have a discussion with Fikri and Kadafi's brother."
"It's okay to have a discussion, but don't let me know first, if abi has become a Christian."
"When was told?"
"If we have moved from Heurgeulis, and you have enough money to rent or buy a house," I replied with understanding.
The wall clock is exactly 23.00.
"My heart is already relieved, Saddam wants to sleep first." He said, a moment later Saddam was fast asleep. I kissed her cheek. Arriving at Haurgeulis house, my wife persuaded me to teach at the Islamic boarding school. But how could I come back. Never recede backwards. Various ways my wife invites me to reconsider my decision. with the title and honor I received, but I still insisted.
"Moving Jakarta"
Being a Christian is scary, scary even! It crossed my mind, the wife's family would definitely ostracize. In the past, my younger sister married a Batak and has not returned to her hometown until now. Why? She converted to Christianity with her husband and was then ostracized by our extended family. But I am sure, if things like that happen, God will definitely provide for all my needs.
The first week of conversion, Saddam and I returned to Bima to distribute the inheritance. I only took a will from my father. The words of God continue to strengthen me, Matthew 10: 34-36: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to separate a man from his father, a daughter from his mother, a daughter-in-law from his mother-in-law, and a man's enemies are the people in his household. " Repentance can separate a family from one's own brother. Family is not an excuse for refusing to be a disciple of God. If my family reads this testimony, they will surely curse, sneer, ridicule even though they have spoken all the names of the animals to me. But I prayed and remained friendly to them.
Finally, we got a lease in Jakarta for 2 years. We moved there. After 1 week, the house was neat. I took the liberty to tell my wife that I had converted to Christianity. Her reaction was unexpected.
My wife cried for days, she could not believe, “Who do you think you are? Kowe iku Kyai! How come iso-isone Dhadi Wong Kresten? " She continues to cry. I also cried with him.
“You have ruined the future for me and my children. If it's like this what do you want to eat? Where is the salary? You leave behind a career that has been built up over the years. Your vehicle lives, the land you buy is left. You are crazy!"
I don't answer everything my wife says. I'm silent.
BAB V
My Wife Left Home
I witness everywhere, many people accept Jesus. I also took my wife, but she flatly refused. He's against me. Many other people who accepted Jesus, his own wife refused. I'm like an impotent boy.
Only 7 months of living together, he fled with 3 children to Jepara. Delivered by my sister Manan. They live in brother-in-law's house. My days are full of tears. I'm messed up. I called my wife and children. We cry together. My wife invited me to return to Islam. I refuse. I invited him to choose Christianity. And he also refused. I hear children crying. The phone broke, even though I still wanted to talk. I am not giving up. I called my wife to meet, but she said she didn't want to meet. I asked why, he answered because I was unclean. Because I now eat pork. I keep fighting, I want my children to follow the gospel teachings that are tolerant and peaceful.
Finally, my struggle was not in vain, my wife wanted to meet as long as she didn't touch. I agree, the important thing is to be able to meet children. That night I went straight to Pulo Gadung terminal by night bus from Jakarta to Jepara. At 5 I arrived. My children stood waiting in the yard of the house. I kissed them one by one. Todal sharp, longing tears dripping. I entered the house, my wife sat away. Don't want to touch my outstretched hand.
"My wife, our child will suffer if we divorce."
"Okay, I want to live as husband and wife again, but on the condition that you convert to Islam again."
"My wife, I may not convert to Islam again. I can only live in Christ and Christ lives in you. I only love you, I cannot marry four wives. "
"If you want to remarry please, as long as you return to Islam," said my wife again.
I will not betray my love for you and I will not move to another heart, but I love Jesus more than anything.
My wife was desperate, angry because she failed to convert me to become a Muslim. He took scissors. I immediately packed up and put my laptop and LCD in my bag. My wife chased after scissors in hand. I immediately ran to the door to get shoes. My wife chased after the scissors almost stuck in my back. I didn't have time to reach my shoes, I broke down the door. My wife cut the shoe untied and threw it at me. I escaped wearing flip-flops. Fleeing by bus to Surabaya. On the bus I cried, Oh God what did Your servant do wrong? Why is being a Christian even more difficult? On the bus I kept crying because I could not hold back the emotion, even though I was a little embarrassed by the other passengers. I sat looking out all the way. I saw the forest and teak trees that stood firmly into the sky. "That's who I am," I thought.
Arriving in Surabaya, I was ready for service, I walked at the Pakuwon mall. There were those who warned me why I was wearing flip-flops. After I explained he was touched. He took me to a shoe shop. After trying on suitable shoes, I couldn't feel the tears rolling down my cheeks. While walking in new shoes, I praised God silently. The shopkeeper called out, "Sir, you missed the sandals!" I pretended to be deaf. I just let the tears on my cheeks. God knows this morning my shoes were torn and He did not embarrass His servant. He live.
BAB VI
Jesus When I Was Little
Approaching the elementary school exam I dreamed of sitting with the great prophets. On the right side of Jesus, Musa, Ibrahim, Noah and the left of the prophet Muhammad SAW. They were dressed in white with friendly, radiant faces. Early in the morning I told my sister Aisyah, "Last night I dreamed of sitting with the great prophets in our langgar (mosque)". My sister replied, "Oh, you have seen the true dream. Because Satan cannot resemble the face of a prophet.
Now I understand the meaning of this dream, that my life is like following a clockwise turning from left to right. From following the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, prophet Noah, prophet Abraham, Prophet Moses and finally the teachings of the Lord Jesus. When I was in elementary school, I had white books of the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. The book was given by Fatimah's cousin, son of teacher Said, and I always read it every chance I got. I even read it aloud. One day my mother heard and took the book and hid it. "Later you will convert to Christianity", said my mother.
"It is impossible for Mom, I am the son of a religion teacher and I will be a strong defender of religion. Promise mama, nothing will happen. ”I said to my mom who was already worried.
"Okay, but mama keep this book until you grow up," he said again. Until he died, the white book was no longer known where the forest was.
Since my mother took the book, I started looking for information from my siblings about schools that teach the Bible. They suggested that they enter the Ushuludin faculty, majoring in comparative religion. It was not a coincidence that after graduating from high school I got a scholarship from the central leadership of Muhammadiyah to study at the Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta while also staying at the Hajjah Nuriyah Shobron Islamic boarding school, Makamhaji.
Ikhwan and I thoughtlessly took the Ushuludin faculty, majoring in comparative religion. During college my religious experience grew well. I always have missionary assignments for hjrah in Klaten and Wonogiri. I am also an assistant lecturer in the Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah subjects at the FKIP and the psychology faculty.
There was another very effective incident in my life about Christianity
Before entering college, I visited my aunt's house in Pancoran Jaksel. Get off at Pulo Gadung Terminal then take a bus towards Blok M. Sitting on my right is a Christian youth. She asked me where I was going and I said I wanted to go to my aunt's house (reaching into my bag to get a piece of paper).
"Have you been there?"
"Not yet!"
"Can I deliver?"
"Thank you very much!", I replied happily.
This young man is about 3 years older than me. She paid for the bus, rickshaw, asked for the address and drove to the aunt's house. After drinking, he said goodbye and I gave him money for helping me. But he refused subtly, "I still have, thank you", he said. "Bah!", I said to myself, "He's also the one who thanks even though he's tired." The young man walked out the door of the house with a smile, I was stunned, amazed until the young man disappeared from sight.
I even forgot to ask what his name was. O my brother, if you read this article I am grateful and want to meet you.
BAB VII
Stay Strong
I felt guilty for my wife, but I couldn't possibly back down. It turns out that being a Christian has a price to pay. But is the price that is meant to be left by the child and wife? God wants each of our marriages to be a means of experiencing life as a whole. One day, I was in Jepara with Pak Bagio and Pak Imam. At four in the morning I arrived in Jepara. No one dared to open the door. I forced open the door and met my wife. I was about to hug him but he shouted for his brother.
"You want what?", Asked my in-law.
"Brother want what?", I snarled fiercely.
"I kicked you out".
"It's good to throw me out, my wife and children are here.", I replied.
My brother-in-law called the police. Four policemen came, neighbors also came.
"Don't try to touch me, police, you don't know who I am yet?", I bully them (meaning if you don't know, ask!).
The police said that their arrival was just in case, “Stay outside! Don't get involved in household matters! ”I replied again. They came out to the yard. The whole family got scared because I could kick out the police. Pak Bagio and Pak Imam escorted me away, because the car was about to be burned. That morning, the news broke that Mr. Marhadi's son-in-law had become a priest.
In the afternoon I managed to seduce my eldest son Fikri to eat out. He wanted to and in the end I "kidnapped" him to Surabaya. Meeting Pak Dharmanto, he even suggested that I return Fikri. "Wow, the person got the heart," he said. "You mean sir?", I asked. "Mr. Abraham must return the child", he replied.
My plan failed, even though I wanted Fikri to take him to Bima, to stay with my brother so that my wife knew his taste. Two days later Fikri and I returned to Jepara. And my wife is very happy. He approached and kissed me. I'm happy too, I touched her hand and kissed her apologetically. I am increasingly praying for my wife and children. There was not the slightest intention to part with them, even though my wife did not want to sleep with me.
"Every meal I always pray for you, my wife, so that you will be blessed by God," I said one time on the phone. "I also always pray for you my husband," replied my wife. "What is your prayer for me?", I asked. "I pray to Allah after every prayer so that you will return to being a Muslim," replied my wife. "Wow, you prayed wrong, because there is no way God will answer a prayer like that," I said. His voice grew slower and cried. I tried to calm him down.
We really love each other, when we meet each other we miss each other. I just kiss her hand with teary eyes. He looked at me meaningfully. "I Love you", I whispered.
Our long separation, my wife asked for a divorce but I refused. My wife asked me to return to Islam, but I still refused. I remain steadfast in my stance. When I meet my wife, I give an all-out understanding of Christianity. One day I told my wife that Muslims should celebrate Christmas too, even with great fanfare. My wife was surprised. I explained to him that in the Koran, only Jesus (Isa) whose birth is described with full prosperity. My wife was shocked, then I showed her the verse. We continue to engage in discussion of the verses of the Koran and the Bible.
Finally in December 2008, my wife got baptized. Perfect has been my happiness. Two years I struggled and prayed to God. And He answered beautifully.
CHAPTER VIII
Several Reasons
1. My students
I am very close to them and they know how I defend religion. "Abi is no longer sane", said my student in Yogya. Another with my son's words, "I am proud of abi, because the defenders of religion are on fire, but why did abi become a Christian?" I also often meet students in various places. In Balikpapan I met with the santri saints, they thanked me for my help in educating their children. I replied that it was the duty of a teacher. I was worried in his heart that he did not know that I had become a Christian.
As long as this testimony has not been published, I am still lying down. I left the pesantren. My friends on the teacher council tried to hold me back, but I stuck with my heart's desire. This testimony is a form of answer to all those who ask why I converted to Christianity. Including for my extended family. Hopefully after reading this they will invite me to a dialogue about Islam and Christianity. With dialogue, we can broaden our horizons about the importance of a harmonious relationship between religious communities because religion cannot be forced (QS 2: 256).
2. Economy
Being a Christian need not hesitate, especially about economic problems. For example, afraid of being hungry? God has prepared sufficient food. Remember miracles 5 loaves 2 fish. Remember the word Jesus (Matthew 6:25).
3. Behavior
This is what I'm worried about, the world did not see what Samuel Huntington predicted. He predicted that there would be a great cultural clash. But what happened was not a clash of cultures or religions. But the clash between modernity and incomprehension. The clash between two camps that live diametrically opposes each other. Between the humans who lived the 21st century and the middle ages. The battle of uncivilized humans with civilized humans.
The concept of a clash of civilizations was expressed by Samuel Huntington, and his "executors" are a group that self-radicalize on the basis of certain groups and beliefs. When someone divides the world into red and white, or divides the world with Christians and non-Christians and declares eternal war on the non-Christians or vice versa, they submit to strong will, this is the root of the problem and the source of conflict.
I am confused by people who like to question the beliefs of others, for me what I believe is my business, not theirs. Brother please deify the stone, as long as you don't throw the stone at me. You are free to worship anything, but the beliefs of others are none of your business. What business do you have if someone believes that Christ is Lord? Son of Mary. Or that Satan is God? Let people believe what they want to believe. We are presented with the news that a group of people came to a place considered heretical, then their efforts were burned, houses were destroyed, and some were even killed. We often see events like this. They try to enforce Islamic law. Islamic law cannot be enforced here. Cafe vandalism, localization, etc. should be allowed if Islamic law is already in effect in this country. Don't be half-assed. For example, Islamic law: those who commit adultery are stoned, thieves have their hands cut off, every Friday Muslims are forced to go to mosques, and so on. If things like that don't apply, who can guarantee that the one who destroys the cafe is his prayer diligently (implementing Islamic law)?
Many Christians change religions, what should Christians punish for apostasy? Or wanted to be killed? In fact, just let it go. For the Christian it is his business with God. Religion is a human right. Leave it alone! Terrorism has paralyzed me from old beliefs.
The world should be grateful to the Jews for the discovery and progress of science in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are 15 million Jews around the world, they unite and win their rights through working hard and brainwashing. I have never seen Jews blow themselves up in a German hotel (remember the Holocaust). Or the Jews who burned the church. Not a single Jew has yet protested against something by killing another.
Even though the Taliban have destroyed 3 sacred Buddha statues, never before have we seen a Buddhist retaliate against destroying a mosque, killing a Muslim or burning his ambassador.
I realize that in this day and age, only religions full of tolerance and love will be chosen by the intellectuals. Violent means will not produce anything. Shabby teachings, will soon melt away like dry grass. In many countries, religious teachings are the source of education and the center of one's ideological formation. I have reached a point where I will continue to learn the teachings from the scriptures of the great religions. Because the Word of God is Yes and Amen. And when I read the verses in the Qur'an, there are many verses of war against the disbelievers, and so on. But in understanding the verses of the Qur'an, the attention of scholars and pastors is very necessary to be able to maintain tolerance and peace. Because many verses of the Qur'an were eventually used by some small groups to justify all actions against the law of the State. Man has no right to take the life of another in the name of religion.
4. Love
Compassion means working together regardless of faith, color, language and origins. Trying to build new methods of understanding and respecting one another. Imagine if we continue to fight because of religion, how can our children and grandchildren write the history of their ancestors?
5. New friends
This book will definitely be read by many people, including my friends. Don't blaspheme your friends, let's have a dialogue for a better life. Let us build a better brotherhood between religious communities. There has been a lot of blood flowing just for defending religion. I'm ready to dialogue with you anytime, OK?
BAB IX
Closing
Coming to this testimony in the last chapter, the author feels that this is all because of His grace. He is the rahman and the uterus. Thank you to all those who have helped a lot in writing this testimony. This testimony is not to seek popularity or offend anyone. All for the glory of God alone. Thanks to my wife Natalia N ******* I, I Love You. And our three children, Fikri K **** I, Saddam H **** n, Muammar K **** I, God bless you all. Let His will be done.
[Sourcce: http://pedson.blogspot.com/2013/07/muslim-masuk-kristen-saifuddin-ibrahim.html]
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