The Role of Islamic Religious Education and Mosques in Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: IMFO and At-Thohir Mosque Los Angelos California United States

Abstract

Education is not only a teaching and learning process limited by four walls, but it is also a process in which humans consciously capture, absorb, and appreciate natural events throughout the ages. IMFO was established in 1997 to coordinate the activities of the Indonesian Muslim Community in the Los Angeles area and its surroundings. The establishment of the At-Thohir Mosque, began with the problems of Indonesian Muslims in the United States, and in most other countries, who do not have their permanent place of worship. So, the lack of permanent places of worship is an obstacle for the young generation of Indonesian Muslims, especially in their efforts to learn and understand their place of origin. This study aims to explore the tactical steps taken by IMFO and the At-Thohir Mosque in addressing the current fire disaster, from an Islamic Religious Education perspective. In this study, the researcher used the library research method, where the study used various literature, both books, notes, and reports from previous studies in collecting data, and also conducted direct interviews regarding the steps taken by IMFO and the At-Thohir Mosque in Los Angeles, United States in dealing with natural disasters such as fires. The study's results found that, in addition to being a place for Islamic education in the community, the mosque must also serve as a center for Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction. Second, the existence of the Mosque as a cultural heritage of our ancestors should continue to be preserved in community life. Third, Islamic Religious Education teaches us to be patient, think positively, make an effort, and pray frequently in every situation.

Keywords: Islamic Religious Education; Mosque; IMFO