Ustadzah Mumpuni Handayayekti: Inclusive Women’s Teacher in Modern Society

There are not as many female preachers as male preachers. In fact, its existence is often secondary to Islamic civilization itself. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, as a country where the majority adheres to Islam, several female preachers were born, one of whom was Ustazah Mumpuni Handayayekti. This Dai’ from Cilacap is widely known for his distinctive style of preaching using dialect alias. By including elements of humor in his lectures, Ustazah Mumpuni was able to reach various groups, from parents, teenagers, to children.

Ustazah Mumpuni has a different approach to preaching than most other preachers. At a time when many preachers still use conventional methods that seem formal and serious, Ustazah Mumpuni comes with a lecture style that is entertaining, but still instills deep religious values. In his lectures, Ustazah Mumpuni often raises themes that are relevant to everyday problems experienced by many people. He also often imitates someone and does not emphasize the impression of a hierarchical pattern between the preacher and his preaching partner. This can then attract people’s interest to listen to his lectures enthusiastically.

In the midst of the stigma that the da’wah space is dominated by men, Ustazah Mumpuni was able to break through this barrier by fighting for women’s position in this field. He proved that women are not only capable of preaching, but also have an important role in conveying the message of moderate and inclusive Islam. Apart from that, preaching carried out by women such as Ustazah Mumpuni also helps fill gaps that may not be able to be filled by male preachers, especially in discussing issues that are closer to women’s lives.

Life History of Ustazah Mumpuni Handayayekti

Ustazah Mumpuni Handayayekti, who is often known as “Ustadzah Ngapak” because of his typical Central Javanese accent, is one of the preachers who is widely known by the Indonesian people. He was born on September 27 1995 as the third of five children of Arwanto and Sukarti. Growing up in a simple family living in Gentasari, Kroya, Cilacap Regency, Ustazah Mumpuni has been accustomed to helping his parents since childhood. According to him, helping parents is an obligation. Ustazah Mumpuni once herded goats and sold ice lollies around to supplement the family’s income. Through this experience, Ustazah Mumpuni learned about gratitude, as well as relying on hard work and strong determination, which ultimately brought him to his current position.

Ustazah Mumpuni’s love for da’wah emerged because of his natural ability to interact with many people, as well as his love of speaking in front of the mirror as if he were giving a lecture. Seeing this talent, his father, Arwanto, who was neither an ustaz nor a religious teacher, began to train and help little Mumpuni in composing themes, finding relevant arguments, and compiling more in-depth lecture narratives. Even though he has an artistic background, Arwanto believes that lecturing is similar to poetry, where both require skills to create a comfortable atmosphere so that listeners can easily accept the message conveyed. Because Islam should be conveyed in a pleasant way to challenge some people’s negative assumptions about the religion brought by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. With these provisions, little Mumpuni started preaching when he was in the 3rd grade of elementary school, by providing recitations for mothers, tahlilan and cults in the surrounding environment.

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Ustazah Mumpuni then began studying rhetoric in more depth while studying at IAIN Purwokerto. However, he realized that he had actually applied many of the things he learned in college since childhood, from how to speak to body language when interacting with other people.

Ustazah Mumpuni Handayayekti’s Da’wah Journey

Ustazah Mumpuni’s preaching journey was filled with enthusiasm and dedication. Since he was a child, he has shown a deep interest in the world of lectures, which he began to experience when giving recitations in the local area when he was in the 3rd grade of elementary school. Ustazah Mumpuni’s name became widely known after participating in the Indonesian Sahur Academy (AKSI) event. His victory in this event also became a stepping stone to introduce himself to the wider public.

After achieving success at the Indonesian Sahur Academy in 2014, Ustazah Mumpuni continued his steps by participating in AKSI Asia in 2017. Even though he initially felt less confident because he had to compete with participants from various countries with a strong da’wah background, he was able to overcome these doubts with enthusiasm and confidence. Ustazah Mumpuni managed to return home with pride, not only for himself but also for Indonesia. In Ustazah Mumpuni’s preaching journey, the figure of Kyai Marzuki, who was his teacher, had a significant influence, especially in preparing lecture material during the AKSI Asia competition.

Currently, Ustazah Mumpuni is actively giving lectures in various regions, both in Java and outside the island. Before delivering a lecture, he always tries to study the culture and conditions of the local community so that his lecture can be well received. Even if you use an accent aliasUstazah Mumpuni was able to touch the hearts of his da’wah partners with the good messages he conveyed. In terms of preaching, Ustazah Mumpuni often raises general themes related to current social realities, such as how to bring people closer together, how to guard their tongue, avoid arrogance, respect older people, never give up, understand God’s power, and prepare provisions for the afterlife.

Through Ustazah Mumpuni’s dedication and commitment, she not only contributed to spreading Islamic teachings, but also showed that women have a strong and important voice in conveying religious messages.

Also Read: Ustadz Salim A. Fillah and Contemporary Islamic Da’wah

Author: Dimas Setyawan Saputro

Editor: Sutan