“Maintaining relationships (silaturahmi) is not only done to humans, but also to other living things. As with plants, the form of silaturahmi can be realized by caring for and watering them. As intelligent humans, we should not destroy nature by cutting down trees or littering,” said Prof. Dr. H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A. as the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, in the halalbihalal gathering of Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia (FKM UI), on Thursday (12/5).
According to Prof. Nasaruddin, the term silaturahmi has existed since the time of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, and silaturahmi is obliged not only to fellow Muslims, but also to all mankind. He told the story of the relationship between Asma bint Abu Bakar and Qutailah bint Abdul Uzza – her mother who had different beliefs. Asma was hesitant to meet her biological mother, and she asked the Prophet. “O Messenger of Allah, my mother came to me and she wanted me to do good to her. Should I keep in touch with my mother?” The Prophet replied, “Yes, keep in touch with her.”
From the story, Prof. Nasaruddin read the virtue of establishing silaturahmi. Silaturahmi is a recommendation from the Prophet Muhammad PBUH to his people so that good relations between humans are maintained. In addition, silaturahmi expands sustenance and longevity. “I am happy because I have the opportunity to give a sermon as well as establish a relationship with the big family of FKM UI. This halalbihalal gathering is important to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, forgive each other, and spread kindness,” said Prof. Nasaruddin in closing his speech.
UI Rector Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., said that Eid al-Fitr 1443 Hijri felt different compared to the last two years. This is inseparable from the role of the government and health workers in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. According to him, based on data from Ministry of Health of Indonesia, the number of patients exposed to Covid-19 in 2022 has decreased compared to the previous two years.
“The Halalbihalal gathering held by FKM UI is a momentum to strengthen unity and integrity, appreciate diversity, and increase worship. We invite UI academics, lecturers, students, and education staff to enrich their point of view, increase knowledge, and strengthen kinship by establishing ties of silaturahmi,” said Prof. Ari in his welcoming speech.
Dean of FKM UI Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., invited the academic community to make Eid Al-Fitr 1443 Hijriah a momentum to forgive each other, open up new enthusiasm for activities, and establish ties of relationships. This is done as an effort to make oneself a better person so that one can contribute to the good name of FKM and UI by achieving various achievements in Indonesian, Asian, and global arenas.
The event entitled “Globally Interpreting Silaturahmi” was also attended by the Secretary of UI dr. Agustin Kusumayanti, M.Sc., Ph.D.; Head of Directorate of Graduate Career Development and Alumni Relations Ir. Ahmad Syafiq, M.Sc., Ph.D.; as well as representatives of the FKM UI board of professors. The event was held both offline and online in G Building Hall, FKM UI and was broadcasted online through Zoom Meeting. The number of attendees is limited to 125 people with strict health protocols in place.
