JAMAAH TABLIGH, AN INSIDER VIEW Abdul Hakim, MA. Introduction Jamaah Tabligh, or better known as the Group of Deliverers and in the Urdu language called: Tablighi Jamaat, while in Arabic called Jamaatuttabligh is a transnational Islamic Dakwah movement founded in 1926 by Maulana Muhammad Ilyas in Nizamuddin India. This “group” is moving from the bottom level of societies, then bringing the entire Muslim communities regardless of social and economic levels closer to the teachings of Islam as brought by Prophet Muhammad. The purpose of this research paper is to provide a clear picture and a brief history of the Jamaah Tabligh and the dakwah methods. It also shares the success stories of Jamaah Tabligh in changing the societies from modern jahiliyah or those left behind into a society that is organized and better educated. The author further examines the challenges faced during this global era. Some parts of this paper are based on the author’s personal experiences when actively involved in this movement during the period 2009 to 2011. My Intouch with Jamaah Tabligh The first time I encountered Jamaah Tabligh was in 1997, when I was at the State University of Makassar. At that time, I had just finished doing evening prayers, when a young man dressed all in white came and shook my hand and introduced himself. He was very friendly, polite, humble and he was always smiling. He then talked about the importance of having faith in God since our lives are sometimes lost and not always on the straight and true path. Then he continued his conversation with me by describing the moral condition of young people including students who he said were very far from the touch of religion such as engaging in free sex, drunkenness, and other bad behaviors. He added again by saying that the present Dakwah that is preached is not very effective, very exclusive and is only done on the pulpits of mosques. Generally, people are happy when they listen, and quick to forget. Then we parted and I never again met this man. I noted that I had met with Jamaah Tabligh for several times at home. They often visited me and pursued me to join their movement. At the time, I did not like their style of dress that looks strange to me; wearing gamis (pakistani clothe), white hats or surban and weird pants that hang above the ankle. They also do not work and only do the worship, preaching, and just stay in the mosque. While they do not work, I wondered how these people make money for their family? I always tried to avoid meeting with Jamaah Tabligh. Every time I see them at the mosque, I always try to leave early to avoid talking with them. I was worried that they will come to advise and invite me to talk about religion. When looking at them on the street, I would soon find another way to avoid discussions with this group. I felt uncomfortable discussing religion with them. Moreover, they always talk about faith and belief in God; something I have already learned.