Yahya Edward Hendrawan, who is also known as 'Yahya the Clown', gives an Islamic religious class during a Ramadan event at an elementary school in Tangerang, Indonesia, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)2025-03-31T03:11:20Z TANGERANG, Indonesia (AP) Wearing a colorful costume, red nose and a turban on his head, Yahya Hendrawan performs as a clown in Indonesian schools, teaching Islamic values to children and teenagers.He started out working birthday parties as a side hustle. But in 2010 his religious teacher encouraged him to become a modern-day Abu Nawas, a legendary Arabic poet known for his wit, wisdom, humor and clever wordplay, so he could bring a cheerful, lighthearted approach to teaching religion.Hendrawan, now known as Yahya Badut, or Yahya the Clown, has embraced that vision. He founded, along with some fellow clowns, the Sharia Clown Foundation, a neighborhood initiative that blends entertainment with religious education. Hendrawan teaches every weekday afternoon in a library at his house and occasionally at a school or orphanage with his clown partners. He often begins lessons with a cheerful song, encouraging children to share a smile. Other clowns open with magic tricks.There is a hadith that says: Your sweet smile in front of your brothers is charity. So we must prioritize smiles and greetings. When meeting friends, shaking hands, smile .. You are good. I am good. Thank God, Hendrawan said.By being funny and cheerful, Hendrawan says he hopes the children will quickly absorb his lessons about morals, manners and Islamic values.