Seeking Barakah: Decoding the Divine Word in Islamic Academia
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
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
Auliyaa Ikrami
Seo Construction
I like to make cool and creative designs. My design stash is always full of refreshing ideas. Feel free to take a look around my Vcard.
- Auliyaa Ikrami
- io@uinbukittinggi.ac.id
Posting Komentar