Taking advantage of holiday time to deepen religious knowledge is one of the best and most positive activities, especially for those of us living far from home. Attending a majlis ilmu (science council) can be a spiritual investment, far more enriching than just spending the day sitting in the park.
However, not all Indonesian migrant workers are aware of the importance of seeking religious knowledge, especially in a place like Hong Kong. Many of them think that attending a majlis ilmu is a waste of time. They believe it benefits only the committee of the organization that hosts the event, and that attending in person is unnecessary. Some say, “Allah has made it easy for us to seek knowledge; we can study on YouTube. Why spend money on infaq and waste time standing in line? People mostly want to see the ustadz or show off their fancy clothes, right?”
When I hear responses like this from my fellow workers, I can only smile faintly. I know that not everyone understands the deeper blessings of attending a majlis ilmu in person. I can’t guide others; only Allah can. In my heart, I whisper a prayer for them: “Ya Allah, forgive their ignorance, and guide them to the path of knowledge.”
But can it truly be the same—studying on YouTube versus sitting live in the midst of a majlis ilmu? Attending in person is like stepping into a paradise garden. The peace that envelops you when you hear the echoes of prayers, the salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the recitation of the Holy Qur’an is unmatched. It’s a kind of spiritual therapy that you can’t get from anywhere else. Isn’t that sense of peace and tranquility what we are all searching for in life? In comparison, worldly matters seem small and insignificant when weighed against the immense peace of mind that faith brings.
Beyond the spiritual peace, we also gain useful and practical knowledge from the ustadz or resource person. The wisdom shared during the majlis helps us navigate the complexities of life, especially in a non-Muslim country like Hong Kong.
I make it a point to attend a majlis ilmu at least once a month. For me, it’s like a shower for my faith, something that is crucial when living in a place far removed from my Muslim community. My faith, which sometimes feels as fragile as tissue paper, can easily be shaken by the temptations of the world that seem to be constantly in front of me. Being in the company of fellow believers and soaking in the teachings of Islam helps me fortify my spirit.
The most anticipated moment for me during the majlis ilmu is the group prayer led by the ustadz at the end of the session. It’s a moment of profound connection, not just with the other attendees, but most importantly, with Allah. I use that time to pour out all my worries and burdens. With tears streaming down my face, I feel as if I’m confiding my deepest struggles to Allah. Even though I may not always receive an immediate solution to my problems, the sense of peace and comfort that fills my heart is undeniable. It feels as though Allah is embracing me with His love, like a child kneeling before a caring mother.
Though life’s challenges may not vanish right away, attending the majlis ilmu gives me the strength to continue. I trust that Allah will not let the efforts of His servants go to waste—whether it’s the time, energy, or money spent in His path. If we do not see the rewards in this world, surely, we will reap them in the afterlife. In the end, what matters most is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that Allah is always with us, guiding and supporting us in every step we take.