Meaningful Journey Upon Graduation: Halim Ambiya Inspires the 135th Graduates of UIN Jakarta

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News - The second day of the 135th graduation ceremony on Sunday (23/2/2025) at Harun Nasution Auditorium was attended by Halim Ambiya, an UIN Jakarta alumnus who obtained his bachelor's degree in Aqidah Philosophy from the Faculty of Ushuluddin, to convey his inspiring stories and motivation for the graduates.

In his address, Halim told his story to the 135th graduates upon his graduation. At first, he chose to pursue a vocation in preaching, and it was the plight of street children that compelled him to build the Pesantren Tasawwuf Underground.

"The designation of the Tasawwuf Underground is derived from Prof. Dr. Aziz Dahlan, who initiated his preaching endeavors in North Jakarta, aiming to engage the marginal people in its vicinity," Halim Ambiya, founder of the Pesantren Tasawwuf Underground, explained.

What Does Graduation Actually Mean?

For Halim, graduation marks a sacred moment when the real battle starts, making the event even more significant as it embodies the significance of the students' efforts.

He asserts that the timing of a student's graduation is inconsequential; rather, he emphasizes the significance of enriching the educational experience with productive activities, contributions, and meaningful engagement.

"I graduated after five years of study, yet I became the chairman of the faculty student senate. I spent my time wisely, even if it meant sacrificing my studies," he said.

Noble Intellection

"UIN Jakarta's curriculum is likely to catalyze substantial humanitarian efforts. Not only that, it enables each department to select a trajectory for advancement, providing enhanced opportunities even for fields such as medicine, economics, and social sciences," he stated.

During his study at UIN Jakarta, he recalled that he was told to emphasize the principles of nobility, humanism, and social responsibility, asserting that acquired knowledge should not be used just for personal benefit. This experience inspired him to become the dedicated preacher he is today, actively contributing to the marginalized society.

Ustaz Halim placed his aspirations in the hands of all graduates and students, hoping that his endeavors would inspire more significant contributions to society.

"We should refrain from judging based on our past and instead focus on our future because we are meant for more," he closed.

(M. Hanif Al-Fatih/Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Muhammad Yahya)