Pray Hard and Work Hard: Rector of UIN Jakarta Advises the 137th Graduates

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., delivered a profound message on Saturday (August 23, 2025) to the 137th graduates, urging them to become intelligent scholars, resilient in facing challenges, and devoted to their parents.

In his speech, he emphasized that graduation is not the finish line, but the beginning of a journey to serve society with the knowledge they have gained. While academic achievements are important, he noted, true success is determined by mental readiness to face an increasingly competitive job market.

“Graduation is not the end, but the start of your service. The challenges ahead are real, especially in the fierce competition for employment. Can you stand out among graduates from public and private universities alike? That will all depend on your mindset,” he stated.

He further stressed that success is not solely measured by GPA, but by one’s ability to adapt to change.

“Intelligence is not defined by a GPA of 3.3, 3.5, or even cum laude. It’s about what you can contribute, how you can adapt to a society that changes every day, and how well you can build meaningful communication,” he affirmed.

The Rector then drew an analogy of perseverance with a story of a diligent farmer.

“Remember! Farmers do not always harvest from their first planting. Yet what’s remarkable is that they keep planting again and again. They learn from experience—pests, lack of water, and various challenges. And eventually, they harvest what they have planted before,” he explained.

Beyond adaptive intelligence, the Rector also underscored the importance of building strong social connections.

“Sustenance is not only about work. Happiness, peace, and ease in life are also forms of sustenance. As the hadith says: Whoever wishes for a long life, abundant sustenance, and ease in affairs should uphold ties of kinship. In religious terms, that’s silaturahmi; in social terms, it’s about communication and interaction,” he added.

Toward the end of his address, Prof. Asep reminded the graduates that the ultimate key to success lies in their parents’ blessings.

“This is the key you must carry wherever you go: respect, love, and honor for your parents. Believe me, this is the key, because as the saying goes: ridhallah fi ridhol walidain, wa sukhtullah fi sukhtil walidain—Allah’s blessing depends on parents’ blessing, and His displeasure upon their displeasure. Your success is shaped by their prayers,” he concluded.

(Nosa Idea L./Zaenal M./Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: M. Ghifari Rahman & Muhammad Yahya)