Indonesia
Two days before the implementation of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar/PSBB) across Malang Raya, Malang Regency Government in collaboration with Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) held a joint prayer and istighosah (communal supplication) under the theme “Knocking on Heaven’s Door, Reaching Lailatul Qadar in the Era of COVID-19 for the Safety of the Nation,” held at the Prof. KH. M. Tholhah Hasan Auditorium, Al-Asy’ari Round Building, UNISMA.
The event was attended by Malang Regent HM Sanusi, Chairman of the East Java PWNU Tanfidziyah KH. Marzuqi Mustamar, Chairman of the Malang Regency MUI and concurrent Rois Syuriyah of PCNU Malang Regency KH. Fadhol Hija, Chairman of PCNU Malang City KH. Isrokun Najah, UNISMA Rector Prof. Dr. Maskuri, M.Si., and Director of UNISMA Postgraduate Program Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, Ph.D., as host, along with regional coordinating officials (Forkopimda) from three areas and Islamic scholars (ulama) from across Greater Malang.
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The event was followed by all Nahdlatul Ulama Branch Representative Councils (MWC NU) throughout Malang Regency as well as regional government officials (Muspika) via live streaming on NU Channel and UNISMA Public Relations YouTube channels.
PBNU Chairman Dr. KH. Said Aqil Siradj, MA, participated online and delivered his tausiyah (spiritual address). He emphasised that the most virtuous form of remembrance (dzikir) is that which is performed with the heart. Sincere devotion and inner stillness are essential for the heart to become a worthy abode for the presence of Allah. He further elaborated on the virtues of Ramadan as syahru shoum (the month of fasting), syahru mujahadah (the month of spiritual striving), syahru Qur’an (the month of the Qur’an), syahru hidayah (the month of divine guidance), and syahru insaniyah (the month of humanity), drawing on the great historical events of Islam that unfolded during Ramadan. He concluded his address with a prayer that Allah swiftly lift the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, UNISMA Rector noted that the istighosah was convened as a collective supplication for the pandemic to come to an end, and called upon attendees to treat this tribulation as an opportunity for personal striving (ikhtiar) and self-reflection. “All of humanity must remain patient, for the coronavirus is a trial sent by Allah with a purpose. God is calling upon human beings to reflect on their way and pattern of life,” he said.
In his remarks, East Java PWNU Chairman KH. Marzuqi Mustamar conveyed his firm conviction that Allah hears the prayers of His servants. “Have faith that Allah hears our prayers. God willing, trust that Allah will protect those who frequent and enliven the mosque. In accordance, of course, with the health protocols that have been established,” he affirmed. (NAD/AL/PPS)
