Rekindling Islamic Thought, Faculty of Ushuluddin Launches "Islamic Philosophy Corner"
Faculty of Ushuluddin Building, UIN Online News—The Faculty of Ushuluddin at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta officially launched a new program titled "Pojok Filsafat Islam" (Islamic Philosophy Corner) on Wednesday (June 25, 2025). This program is designed as a space for philosophical dialogue and reflection to address the existential challenges currently faced by the younger generation.
Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Prof. Ismatu Ropi, Ph.D., emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of philosophy as a key element in developing Islamic thought within the academic environment. “Ushuluddin is the heart of ideas at UIN. It is time for us to present a new contemplative space that invigorates Islamic studies through a philosophical approach,” he stated.
The launch of the Islamic Philosophy Corner also featured a seminar themed “The Problem of Self-Alienation: Delving into the Existential Crisis of the Young Generation,” which presented three speakers: Dr. Rihab Aqil Siradj, Muhammad Hazir, M.Ag., and Dr. Rizky Yazid. The event was led by Dr. Kholid Al Walid, the program's coordinator.
In his introduction, he stressed that philosophy is not just for the elite but is a fundamental foundation that supports the edifice of human civilization. “Civilization is not born from a vacuum. It arises from humanity’s deepest reflection on its existence. That is where philosophy serves as a guide,” he revealed.
Dr. Rihab Aqil Siradj in her presentation explained that self-alienation is a common phenomenon experienced by young age groups, particularly those between 12 and 27 years old. According to her, the imbalance in development between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system contributes to emotional and cognitive instability. She also highlighted the impact of social and academic pressures, and the dominance of digital media, on the identity of the younger generation, especially Gen Z. “Their identity is shaped by online validation. Even Indonesian culture feels foreign to some of them,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Hazir emphasized the importance of personal relationships and social support as part of existential healing. He cited an existential psychology approach that stresses the importance of social interaction, imagination, freedom, self-identity reinforcement, and moral orientation. “Love yourself, love your neighbor. Sincere relationships are the foundation for a healthy society,” he explained.
Dr. Rizky Yazid provided a spiritual and philosophical perspective related to the phenomenon of alienation. He introduced the concept of al-qurbatul gharbiyyah—alienation within close proximity—as a form of call towards deeper self-reflection. He also brought up the tasykik approach in Islamic philosophy, which is the acknowledgment of a reality that is hierarchical and dynamic, as a way to understand self-fragmentation in the modern era. “There is no final differentiation of the soul. We can learn from figures like Suhrawardi and Mulla Shadra who have transcended traditional frameworks,” he explained.
The speakers also touched upon a critique of excessive objectification in modern life, which, according to Hegel's thought, can trigger alienation and a crisis of life's meaning. In the future, the Islamic Philosophy Corner is designed to be a regular study space that brings together the depth of Islamic philosophy, spiritual reflection, and the dynamics of contemporary issues. This initiative is expected to be a concrete contribution from the Faculty of Ushuluddin in answering the existential problems of modern society through a distinctive and grounded intellectual approach. (Lufaefi/ZM)