EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, LONDON — Afrahul Fadhilah, a master’s student in Islamic Education at the Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra (UMSU), is bringing Indonesian Islam to the international stage through art and culture. Active in the United Kingdom, Afrahul leads Annisa Rebana London, a qasidah group made up of Indonesian women.
The group performed again at the World Halal Food Festival at London Stadium in Stratford, London, on Sunday (27/9). It was the sixth time Annisa Rebana had been invited to perform at the annual halal food festival.
Held over two days, September 26–27, the festival attracted more than 3000 visitors and around 200 vendors from various countries.
Wearing light-blue gamis decorated with silver embroidery, the members of Annisa Rebana performed rebana music and shalawat on the main stage. For Afrahul, the performance was more than an artistic showcase. It was also an opportunity to introduce a welcoming Indonesian expression of Islam closely connected to local culture.
Bringing Indonesian Islam through Culture
Annisa Rebana London was established in 2015. The group regularly rehearses two to three times a week at the Indonesian Islamic Centre London, a mosque that serves as one of the gathering places for the Indonesian Muslim community in Britain.
Afrahul said she was moved to see Annisa Rebana perform at a festival that brings together people from different countries. She hopes the group will continue to grow.
“I hope Annisa Rebana will continue to develop in the future,” she said.
Alongside her studies at UMSU, Afrahul is active in various Indonesian Muslim community activities in the United Kingdom. She serves as chair of Al-Washliyah London and as the mentor of Annisa Rebana London. She also runs Warung Nusantara London, a food business, with Rahmawaty.
Her involvement in the culinary sector has led Afrahul to see opportunities for introducing Indonesian food to international markets. Of the approximately 200 vendors participating in the festival, she noted that none came from Indonesia.
“Indonesia could participate as a vendor so that Indonesian food can become better known internationally,” she said.
For Afrahul, introducing Indonesia to the international community should also involve presenting the country in its entirety. She hopes Indonesia’s identity will not be associated solely with a particular region or tourist destination.
“How can we make people know Indonesia, rather than just Bali? Bali is part of Indonesia,” she stressed.
Cultural Dakwah on the International Stage
Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir, Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board in the United Kingdom and Ireland, also praised Afrahul and Annisa Rebana London for their contributions.
“Ummi Afrah is someone who bridges many things. She is the chair of Al Washliyah London while also being part of the Muhammadiyah family through her studies at UMSU. This is a beautiful example of ukhuwah among Indonesian Islamic organizations in Britain. Through rebana and sholawat, cultural dakwah can reach international audiences,” she said.
Annisa Rebana’s presence at the World Halal Food Festival demonstrates how cultural dakwah can take place in many different spaces. Islamic arts, community empowerment, and economic development through Indonesian cuisine can all contribute to introducing Islam and Indonesia to international communities. (Andiva)
