Seeking Barakah: Decoding the Divine Word in Islamic Academia

Seeking Barakah: Decoding the Divine Word in Islamic Academia

Selasa, April 28, 2026

BUKITTINGGI – Beneath the cool, mist-kissed skies of Bukittinggi on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the atmosphere within the auditorium of Bukittinggi State Islamic University (UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi) shifted from academic formality to spiritual introspection. The Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, stood before the gathered scholars not merely as a statesman, but as a sage delivering a vital treatise: that the modern crisis of "blessing" or barakah stems from our superficial engagement with the Holy Quran. Beyond the Script: The Living Word In a profound theological distinction, Prof. Nasaruddin urged the academic community to move beyond viewing the Quran solely as Kitabullah—the Book of God. In this form, it is a structured text of letters and syntax accessible to any linguist or historian.However, its true essence lies in being Kalamullah—the Speech of God.

"The Quran as Kalamullah remains veiled from the purely intellectual mind," the Minister remarked. To unlock this dimension, one requires a key forged from taqwa (God-consciousness) and a meticulous purification of both the outer and inner self. Without a clean vessel, the Divine Speech remains unheard, even as the text is recited.

The Architecture of Capacity

Prof. Nasaruddin also targeted common misconceptions in how popular verses are taught to the public. He argued that our traditional translations often miss the spiritual "expansion" intended by the Creator:

On Rabbi Zidni ‘Ilman: Frequently translated as "My Lord, increase my knowledge," the Minister clarified that it truly means, "My Lord, expand my capacity to contain knowledge." For a State Islamic University (PTKIN), this is a call to evolve—not just in curriculum, but in the universal breadth of its academic soul.

On La-in Shakartum La-azidannakum: Rather than a simple promise of more material wealth, the verse implies that by being grateful, God increases one's internal capacity to recognize and cherish blessings.

An Epistemology of Sincerity

The Minister posited that an Islamic University must operate on a different epistemological plane than its secular counterparts. In these sacred halls, the pursuit of knowledge begins with Ikhlas (sincerity) and the invocation of the Divine Name.Citing the Sufi scholar Ibn Ajibah, he reminded the faculty that to truly say Bismillah (In the name of Allah), one must first summon the presence of the One being named. 

He extended this sanctity to the administration, warning staff to shun all "haram" or illicit sources of wealth, as tainted sustenance is the primary assassin of barakah.

The Rector’s Response: Expanding the Vessel

Echoing the Minister's call for "spiritual expansion," the Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, is already translating this theology into a tangible academic blueprint. By establishing the Faculty of Science and Technology and specialized Research Centers, Hanani is intentionally widening the university’s intellectual borders.

"We are building the physical and mental infrastructure to match the Minister’s vision," Hanani explains. "By integrating the sciences and deepening our research centers, we are not just adding buildings; we are expanding the university's capacity to house the vastness of God’s knowledge, ensuring that our academic growth is anchored in the pursuit of true barakah."

As the lecture drew to a close, Prof. Nasaruddin offered a poignant metric for the Ministry’s success: it is not found in bureaucratic efficiency, but in how much closer the people have grown to their faith. 

At UIN Bukittinggi, the message was clear—true education is not about filling a bucket, but about lighting a fire that connects the student back to the Divine source.

 

Source: Irwandi Nashir / International Office UIN Bukittinggi

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Global Frontiers: UIN Bukittinggi Elevates Islamic Research Standards

Global Frontiers: UIN Bukittinggi Elevates Islamic Research Standards

Selasa, April 21, 2026

BUKITTINGGI - On a crisp Monday morning in Bukittinggi, the air at the campus of UIN Bukittinggi (State Islamic University Sjech M. Djamil Djambek) carried an unusual intellectual charge. As the sun began its ascent over the highlands of West Sumatra on April 20, 2026, a gathered assembly of Master’s students in Islamic Education was not there for a routine lecture. They were embarking on a high-stakes mission: Write Right: Elevating Islamic Education Studies to Global Standards.

The international workshop was a calculated masterstroke of synergy. Orchestrated by UIN Bukittinggi’s International Office, the program brought together the university’s Master of Islamic Education (PAI) program and the Centre for General Studies and Co-curricular at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). It was a cross-border alliance designed to sharpen the pens of emerging scholars for the rigorous arena of global academia.

Piercing the Academic Veil

The proceedings opened with a stirring prologue by Dr. Supratman, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs. To Supratman, "Write Right" is less a slogan and more a professional mandate. "Scientific writing is our way of greeting the world," he noted, framing the workshop as a bridge for Islamic education research to achieve a tangible international footprint.

The man tasked with demystifying the world of high-impact publishing was Dr. Arwansyah bin Kirim of UTHM Malaysia. With surgical precision, Arwansyah dissected the anatomy of prestigious journals, leading students through the "black box" of the peer-review process. He offered more than just writing tips; he provided a survival guide for the digital age, teaching students how to navigate Scopus clusters and evade the siren call of predatory journals. "Writing correctly," Arwansyah emphasized, "is about safeguarding the integrity of knowledge itself."

Borderless Ambitions

Beyond the technicalities, the event served as a case study in what Dr. Irwandi, Head of the International Office, calls "impactful networking." For Irwandi, the presence of a Malaysian expert was proof that international webs of collaboration provide invaluable capital for local academics. "This is how we build a borderless academic ecosystem," he remarked.

This sentiment of excellence was echoed by Dr. Hidayani Syam, Head of the Master’s Program in Islamic Education. She viewed the workshop as a "premium service" for her students—a commitment to ensuring that graduates are not only masters of the classroom but formidable competitors on the global stage through high-quality publications.

An Investment in the Future

As the clock struck noon and the workshop concluded, a sense of quiet triumph filled the hall. Prof. Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, offered a high-level commendation for the creative initiative taken by the International Office and the Master’s program.

"This step is a vital investment in the university’s future," Prof. Hanani stated. "Our sincere gratitude goes to Dr. Arwansyah from UTHM for his insights. This collaboration provides the new energy we need to keep innovating."

As the participants emerged from the hall into the midday sun, they carried more than just certificates. They carried the "Write Right" manifesto—a newfound resolve to take the study of Islamic education from the peaks of Bukittinggi to the far reaches of the global intellectual horizon.

Source: Irwandi Nashir / International Office UIN Bukittinggi

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The Son's Salute: A Cinema Giant’s Legacy Finds a Home in Bukittinggi

The Son's Salute: A Cinema Giant’s Legacy Finds a Home in Bukittinggi

Rabu, April 15, 2026

BUKITTINGGI — On the morning of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the mist clinging to the peaks of the Minangkabau highlands began to lift, revealing a campus transformed by a rare convergence of cinema, politics, and academia. As the iconic, jaunty theme of Si Doel Anak Sekolahan echoed across the courtyard of the State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, the melody served as a bridge across generations. It was the soundtrack to a homecoming for the man at the center of the crowd: Rano Karno.

Karno, currently the Vice Governor of Jakarta and a cultural icon whose face is woven into the very fabric of Indonesian identity, was not in Bukittinggi for a campaign stop or a film set. He had returned to his ancestral soil on a deeply personal mission: to witness the name of his father, Soekarno M. Noer, being immortalized upon the university’s newest landmark.

The Maestro from Bonjol

To the digital-native graduates in the audience, Soekarno M. Noer might be known primarily as the patriarch of a famous acting dynasty. But in the mid-20th-century annals of Indonesian cinema, Noer was a titan—a "character actor" in the truest sense. Born in 1931 in the rugged terrain of Bonjol, Pasaman, his performances were defined by the same tenacity and moral weight that characterize the Minangkabau spirit.

The decision by UIN Bukittinggi to name its new facility after Noer was a deliberate move to reconcile the world of the arts with the rigors of modern intellect. "This is a milestone," noted Rector Professor Silfia Hanani as the morning sun hit the building’s facade. "It is a testament to our university's commitment to honoring those who have mastered their craft while remaining tethered to their cultural soul."

Beyond the Intellectual Horizon

The inauguration carried a poetic weight, falling on the same morning that 820 students were set to graduate. Standing before a sea of mortarboards and expectant faces, Rano Karno shed his skin as a statesman to speak as a son and a mentor.

There was a visible tremor of emotion as he looked toward the tribute to his father. "To see my father honored this way is extraordinary," he told the assembly. Yet, he quickly steered the narrative away from celebrity and toward a challenge for the next generation. In an era where technical prowess and artificial intelligence are often worshipped as the ultimate goals, Karno offered a more ancient perspective.

"This country does not merely need 'smart' people," he said, his voice carrying across the quieted hall. "Indonesia is calling you—not with a roar, but through the quiet, harsh reality of our times. Live not just to be successful, but to be significant."

The Full Circle

For the people of West Sumatra, the presence of the Karno family represents a symbolic pulang—a return. In the midst of the rapid modernization of Islamic education, there remains a persistent, quiet insistence on holding onto one’s roots.

As the button on the screen was pressed, digitally marking the official opening of the building and revealing the name Soekarno M. Noer now officially part of the campus landscape, a historical circle was closed. The boy from Pasaman had finally returned to the highlands, no longer as a traveler, but as a permanent fixture of the land.

The building may be a structure of glass and concrete, but the name it bears is a reminder that the most enduring legacy isn't found in wealth or title. It is found in the fragrance of a name that continues to inspire long after the final credits have rolled and the morning mist has vanished into the day. 

Source: Irwandi Nashir/International Office UIN Bukittinggi

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UIN Bukittinggi’s Mission of Mercy in Aceh Tamiang

UIN Bukittinggi’s Mission of Mercy in Aceh Tamiang

Selasa, Maret 31, 2026

ACEH TAMIANG — The metallic groan of suspension bridge cables, swaying precariously against the sky, serves as a haunting soundtrack for the residents of Pengidam Village. Below, the river that once roared with fury has settled into a deceptive calm. Yet, the thick, grey silt caking the remnants of homes whispers a grim truth: the wounds of the flash flood are far from healed.

For the delegation from the Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M) at the Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi, this was no mere bureaucratic excursion. It was a pilgrimage of "Ukhuwah"—an Islamic bond of brotherhood—to reach those tested by what many here stoically call the will of the Almighty.

Led by Dr. H. Muhiddinur Kamal, M.Pd., the team deliberately bypassed the accessible to reach the isolated, crossing into territories where bridges had long since surrendered to the deluge.To touch the hearts of these remote survivors, the team gambled on "getek"—fragile wooden rafts—navigating the same currents that had recently destroyed everything in their path. "Tears fall when you see our brothers and sisters here," Kamal says, 

his voice thick with emotion. "They are literally living in the mud, sheltered only by thinning tents," he adds. 

The contrast is jarring. Near the regional capital, temporary and permanent housing projects are slowly taking root. But deeper into the hinterlands of Rantau District, the promise of a roof and four walls feels as if it has been washed downstream. Here, there are no certainties—only the resilience of those huddled under plastic tarps, their prayers rising from the mire.

Healing Through the Spirit

The mission, which spanned from March 12 to 19, 2026, carried a dual mandate. Beyond material logistics, they brought a "spiritual salve" for the traumatized soul. Beneath damp tent canvases, the rhythmic echoes of "dzikir" and prayer rose in praise of the Creator, an attempt to wash away the trauma etched deep into the survivors' psyches.

In addition to psychological support, the LP2M team delivered 203 million Rupiah in direct cash assistance—a vital lifeline for those who lost a lifetime of belongings in a single afternoon. The team’s focus remained unwavering: to honor the forgotten. "This experience is a stark reminder," observes Kamal.

 "Those in the interior, cut off from the world, must be our priority. This is the true essence of Islamic compassion, " Kamal explains. 

The initiative received full backing from the Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, M.Si., who views the university’s presence in disaster zones as a moral imperative. "What the team has done in Aceh Tamiang is the embodiment of the human and spiritual values we cherish," Hanani says. 

"UIN Bukittinggi is committed to being more than just an academic tower; we must be a living presence that touches the hearts of those enduring life’s greatest trials, " She adds. 

As the team prepared to depart for Padang in the pre-dawn darkness of 3:30 AM, the memory of the swaying bridges and the chug of the raft engines lingered. The physical journey may have ended, but the mission to amplify the voices of Tamiang’s survivors has only just begun. There, between the tents and the river, humanity is being tested by time—and the world is watching to see if the sun will finally rise over Tamiang’s horizon.

Source: IO UIN Bukittinggi

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Digital Devotion: UIN Bukittinggi Takes the Qur’an to the Global Cloud

Digital Devotion: UIN Bukittinggi Takes the Qur’an to the Global Cloud

Minggu, Maret 08, 2026

BUKITTINGGI — In the misty highlands of West Sumatra, a city long celebrated as a bastion of culture is redefining how the ancient art of Qur’anic recitation meets the digital age. UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi officially launched its 2026 International Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur'an (MTQ) on Saturday, March 7, signaling a bold expansion of its spiritual and academic footprint.

This year’s iteration marks a strategic pivot for the university. Breaking from tradition, the competition has opened its virtual doors to two distinct cohorts: university students and, for the first time, high schoolers. The goal is clear: to cultivate a "love for the Divine Word" before the distractions of adulthood take root.

Boundaries Dissolved

The logistical challenge of a global competition is met with a high-tech solution. According to program director Hamdani, Lc., MA., the entire event is being staged online, weaving together participants from disparate time zones into a single digital tapestry. Despite the flickering screens and thousands of miles of fiber-optic cable, the spiritual fervor remains undiluted.

The competition, which runs until March 12, features a progressive judging format: there is no distinction in scoring between male (Qori) and female (Qoriah) reciters—a move that places the focus squarely on the purity of the recitation and the technical mastery of the art.

Beyond the Melody

For the university’s leadership, the event is less about the trophy and more about the "tradition of the soul." In a keynote delivered by Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman (on behalf of Rector Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani), the institution emphasized that the Qur'an must be more than a melodic performance.

"This is a tradition that must endure," Rosman remarked. "The Qur'an is not merely to be competed for its sound, but to be read, understood, practiced, and shared."

By leveraging digital platforms, UIN Bukittinggi is attempting to dismantle geopolitical walls, uniting a fractured world under the banner of "positive and religious competition."

A Light in the Dark

The opening ceremony—solemn despite its digital medium—featured a profound theological reflection by Dr. Irwandi Nashir, Head of the Center for International Relations. Drawing from Surah Ibrahim, Verse 1, Irwandi spoke to the transformative power of scripture in an era of uncertainty.

He argued that the Qur’an’s primary role is to act as a lighthouse, guiding humanity away from "the darkness of doubt and the vagueness of purpose." In his view, the competition is a roadmap to Ma’rifatullah (knowing God)—offering young believers a clear vision of service and an eternal perspective in an increasingly transient world.

As the final results loom on March 13, UIN Bukittinggi isn’t just crowning a winner; it is betting that the echoes of these ancient verses will resonate far beyond the speakers of a laptop, strengthening a global network of young Islamic intellectuals.

Source : IO UIN Bukittinggi

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CALL FOR REVIEWERS

CALL FOR REVIEWERS

Jumat, Februari 20, 2026

 Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah (Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh)

Dear Distinguished Academics and Practitioners

In our continuous effort to enhance the editorial quality and publication standards of journals within UIN Bukittinggi, the UIN Bukittinggi Journal House (Rumah Jurnal) cordially invites academics and practitioners to contribute as Reviewers for our affiliated journals.Interested candidates may explore the UIN Bukittinggi e-journal portal at:https://ejournal.uinbukittinggi.ac.id/

To view the list of journals and identify titles that align with your area of expertise.We kindly request applicants to complete the registration form with accurate, honest, and valid information. 

This data will serve as the primary basis for our selection process. For those who have previously served as reviewers for UIN Bukittinggi journals, we request that you re-register through this form to ensure data updates and administrative synchronization.

We guarantee that all submitted information will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for reviewer selection and administrative purposes.

Selected candidates will be contacted via the information provided in the form. 

The registration period is open from now until:

Deadline: February 28, 2026

Reviewer Benefits:

1. Rector's Decree (SK) appointing the individual as an Official Journal Reviewer.
2. Reviewer Certificate.Formal Recognition: Reviewer identity displayed on the journal’s official website.
3. Honorarium: Remuneration per article reviewed, in accordance with the regulations of the Journal House.

We appreciate your attention to this announcement. We look forward to your contribution to the advancement of scientific publication quality at UIN Bukittinggi.

Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah (Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh)

Sincerely,Journal House (Rumah Jurnal) 

UIN Bukittinggi

Registration

#ScientificJournal #UINSjechMDjamilDjambek

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Bukittinggi and Coimbatore Link Academic and Moral Excellence

Bukittinggi and Coimbatore Link Academic and Moral Excellence

Rabu, Februari 11, 2026

BUKITTINGGI – Geographically separated by thousands of kilometers, Bukittinggi in West Sumatra and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India, bridged their distance through a virtual window on Wednesday (Feb 11). A collaborative initiative titled "Global Partnership Inauguration: Strengthening Academic Excellence through International Synergy" has officially united two educational powerhouses: UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi and the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Institute of Technology (KIT).

The birth of this partnership was no mere coincidence. Dr. Irwandi, Head of the International Office at UIN Bukittinggi, revealed that the seeds of collaboration were sown during the 2025 Malaysia International Enrichment Matching Fund (MIEMF) program. The nine-day intensive program at UiTM Malaysia provided the necessary groundwork for both institutions to formalize their ties.

During the Malaysian program, the UIN Bukittinggi team—comprising faculty and students—was led by the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Dr. Supratman Zakir. 

"From the MIEMF experience, we felt a profound need to extend this cooperation further between UIN Bukittinggi and KIT India," Irwandi explained.

From Digital Literacy to Global Stages

Despite the physical divide, digital screens united their visions in a formal ceremony. Representing KIT’s Faculty of Science and Computer Engineering were its top executives, while UIN Bukittinggi was represented by a robust team from the International Office, the Quality Assurance Institute (LPM), and various faculty envoys.UIN Bukittinggi brought its strong identity as an "Excellent" (Unggul) accredited institution to the table.

 "While we are rooted in Islamic values, we remain fully observant of the rapid advancements in science and technology," said Dr. Edi Rosman, representing Rector Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani. 

Echoing this sentiment, Prof. S. Vimal, Dean of the School of Computer Science and Engineering at KIT, described the pact as a "meaningful collaboration"—one that transcends mere administrative figures.

Concrete Steps: BICED 2026

Dr. Junaidi, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, assured that this agreement would not merely collect dust. 

One of the immediate outcomes will be the invitation of Prof. Vimal as a keynote speaker for the Bukittinggi International Conference on Education (BICED 2026), scheduled for October.The international conference is projected to be a productive intellectual forum, with outcomes published in international proceedings with official ISSN credentials. 

"This serves as concrete proof that the synergy between Bukittinggi and Coimbatore aims to strengthen the global research ecosystem," Junaidi noted.

Through five agreed pillars of cooperation—ranging from student mobility to joint research—UIN Bukittinggi and KIT India are carving a future for education that is not only technologically advanced but also ethically grounded amidst the tides of globalization.

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