Habib Ja’far: Keeping Islam Relevant Amid Modern Challenges

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — In an ever-changing world, not everyone can answer the challenges of the times while simultaneously maintaining spiritual values. However, Habib Husein Ja’far Al Hadar, an alumnus of the Faculty of Ushuluddin at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, stands as an example of how Islam can remain grounded in every space and relevant in every era, Sunday (25/05/2025).

As a young preacher widely known on social media and various digital platforms, Habib Ja’far reminded that the millennial and Gen Z generations today face two major challenges in practicing religion: the pull towards a very rational religiosity, and on the other hand, a very doctrinal religiosity.

“Some people make a total hijrah (migration/transformation) in all aspects of their lives. But there are also those who prefer a rational approach as a guide in practicing religion,” he explained in a brief interview with the UIN Jakarta Public Relations Team during a break at the graduation ceremony.

This phenomenon, according to him, is natural in an era of open information and abundant diverse thoughts. But this is where the importance of religious moderation lies—a value he learned and instilled since his college days on the Ciputat campus.

UIN, A Space for the Growth of Moderation and Spirituality

As an alumnus of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Habib Ja’far affirmed that UIN Jakarta equipped him not only with scholarly insights but also with a moderate religious perspective. “I was taught to be in the middle, not extreme to the right or left. But I was also shaped to have spiritual strength,” he said.

According to him, strong religiosity is not only measured by the amount of memorization or doctrines held, but by maturity in understanding social, cultural, and humanitarian contexts. So it is not surprising that his da'wah (preaching) approach feels fresh: light, relaxed, yet full of meaning.

The Relevance of Islam Amidst the Rushing Times

For Habib Ja’far, Islam is a religion capable of transcending space and time. Not bound by form, but strong in essence. “Islam is a religion that can always be brought into any era, as long as we understand it in the right way,” he stated.

He believes the key to the success of the younger generation in practicing religion lies in the ability to understand Islam as a religion of mercy and wisdom, not just rules. Thus, da'wah no longer feels preachy, but instead becomes a space for dialogue that touches the heart.

Habib Husein Ja’far Al Hadar is now not only known as an intelligent young cleric but also as a representation of UIN Jakarta alumni who bring the spirit of moderation, tolerance, and spirituality to society—especially the younger generation thirsting for meaning amidst the rushing times.

Tips for the Younger Generation: Focus in Worship in the Digital Era

On that occasion, Habib Ja’far also delivered a special message to the younger generation. He conveyed the importance of maintaining focus in worship, especially amidst the swift current of information and distractions in today's digital era.

He emphasized that focus is the main key in performing worship with devotion and meaning. The many distractions on social media, instant information, and the fast-paced culture, according to him, can weaken attention and damage the solemnity of worship if not addressed wisely.

Habib Ja’far reminded that the younger generation must be adept at sorting and managing their attention. In line with his call in the previous address—for UIN Jakarta alumni to restore expertise and scholarship to their true nature—he stressed that maintaining focus in worship is also part of preserving one's innate nature as a knowledgeable and faithful human being.

This message complements the reflection he delivered earlier, namely that the biggest challenge today is not only at the level of knowledge and expertise but also in the steadfastness of maintaining spiritual values in a world full of noise and opinions.

(Aida Adha S./Fauziah M./Noeni Indah S./Photo: PIH)