The Beauty Of Giovanni Tobing's Convert To Islam: From Love, Unable To Perform Wudhu, Until Diligent In Tahajud

JAKARTA - The soap opera actor Giovanni Tobing tells the story of his conversion to Islam to Arie Untung. Claiming to be not a religious young man, he converted to Islam lightly because of love. He became a convert to marry Dewi Ariani.

Giovanni officially converted to Islam when he read the creed at the marriage contract. After marriage, Giovanni admitted that he had not fully fulfilled his obligations as a Muslim. "I initially considered converting to Islam as access to marry him. Let it be legal," he said, quoted from YouTube's Story Untungs, quoted Thursday, January 13.

Dewi's parents, he continued, recommended that he convert to Islam so that the marriage would run smoothly. "Father and Mama Dewi directed (so that we) are both Muslims. So, I moved," he said.

The request was granted without hesitation. He felt that he was not a religious figure so he could change religions easily.

"I've never really been concerned about religion. I'm not a religious young man. Just because marriage has to be serious, I asked first, 'Can I marry your child, can he be of a different religion, can he convert to Christianity, or should I go to a different religion? Muslim? The answers of Dewi's father and mother directed that they are both Muslims. I have these options, no problem," he said.

But after becoming a convert, his spiritual journey changed. It was as if circumstances had led him to study religion more deeply. Initially, Giovanni admitted that he could not perform ablution, so it was difficult for him to pray.

"But, how do I do ablution? How can I put my cellphone on like this," he said.

As if he had an answer, Baim Wong came to help teach him how to perform ablution without being asked. "Baim Wong said, 'Bro, let's pray? Then I'll teach you to follow me, bro? I didn't ask," he said.

After the incident, Dewi Ariani said that Giovanni Tobing had never skipped prayers. "Until now, he hasn't skipped, you know. Until tahajjud," he said.