Eid Sermon at Istiqlal Mosque: Vice Chancellor of UIN Jakarta Gives Preaches in Front of Indonesian Top Figures

Jakarta, UIN Online News - Prof. Ahmad Tholabi, S.Ag., S.H., M.H., M.A., the Professor of Islamic Law and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, gave a preach at the state-level Eid al-Fitr sermon at Istiqlal Mosque Jakarta on Monday (31/3/2025).

The Eid al-Fitr prayer at Istiqlal Mosque was attended by the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto; the Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming; the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasarudin Umar; Former Vice President, Jusuf Kalla; ambassadors from neighboring countries; and ministers from the Merah Putih Cabinet.

On this rare one-year occasion, he stated that an accepted fast (mabrur) not only cultivates individual piety but also enhances character morality. By fostering piety among every community level, a blessed fast would propel Indonesia towards advancement and prosperity.

"The aspiration for the establishment of a prosperous and blessed nation must be pursued continuously, consistently, and earnestly with the intent of fostering collective welfare," he persuaded.

There are many practices during Ramadan that possess both personal and communal elements. They engender a genuine spirit expressed through thoughts and acts dedicated only to the general benefit and welfare.

"Fully committed fasting cultivates strong individuals, and then strong individuals create resilient generations. In the future, they will bring Indonesia into its golden age," he concluded.

It is known that many practices during Ramadan provide advantages to both individuals and the community. Several forms of Islamic assistance, like zakat, infaq, and shadaqah, function as positive mechanisms that generate tangible effects on social, economic, and justice principles enforcement.

"Generosity in Islam imparts a significant message regarding the essence of unity, collaborative effort, and solidarity," he stated.

He asserts that these instruments align with the ideals of the founding fathers of Indonesia, which prioritized the attainment of universal welfare. This philosophy also corresponds with the second principle of the Five Principles (Pancasila), which promote virtue, integrity, and affluence.

“Certainly, through collective efforts and challenges, we aim to achieve a progressive and prosperous Indonesia under the benevolence of Allah,” said Prof. Tholabi.

The communal aspect of several ceremonies during Ramadan actually conveys the notion that benefits stem from oneness. Despite the heterogeneous construction of Indonesia, it still necessitates unity and collaboration among all segments of the nation's populace.  

"Unity in diversity is established through discourse and dialogue to identify common ground that serves as the basis for achieving the nation's advancement," he said.

The day of triumph for Muslims, which was commemorated through the prayer at Istiqlal Mosque, functions to reinforce the links of fraternity and unity in the pursuit of a more progressive Indonesia. This moment marks Eid al-Fitr as a significant occasion that fosters benevolence among the Indonesians.

"Individuals in their optimal state of purity will impart goodness to their environment, while the essence of the Ramadan fast should act as a guide to understanding personal interactions in both private and public spheres. Therefore, it encapsulates the true essence of Eid al-Fitr that we commemorate today," he preached.

(Alfina Ika Arianti/Aida Adha S./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham)