The night of power or Laylatul Qadr is a moment for Muslims to close their distance to the almighty God by engaging in religious activities and doing good deeds. Aiming to do a similar thing, the whole academic community at Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) conducted the I’tikaf retreat, Suhoor, and Fajr prayer collectively at the Baitul Ilmi Mosque on Saturday, April 15th, 2023.
The event was initiated by the 2023 Gema Ramadan Committee, with around 60 participants, mainly consisting of the academic community on campus. Moreover, the event aimed to grow the bonds in the congregation by conducting the Fajr prayer led by an Imam, Puji Rohman.
Prof. Dr. Drs. Jumanto, M.Pd., the Head of the Committee, explained that the event consisted of many activities, including I’tikaf (where the whole congregation sits in silence doing prayers or recites the Qur’an). He hoped for this activity to be routinely conducted annually.
“Despite being hosted early in the morning, the whole congregation was very enthusiastic in participating in the I’tikaf retreat, as they were seen excited listening to the sermons,” he explained.
On that occasion, the sermons was presented by a preacher by the name of Zaenal Arifin, S.E., M.Kom., who also gave a lecture to the congregation regarding I’tikaf. Moreover, he also added that I’tikaf should not only be conducted during the month of Ramadan but also every month.
“However, upon fasting in this month full of good deeds, the congregation is also expected to keep routinely conducting I’tikaf and praying Fajr in a congregation,” he persuaded.
In addition to this event, the Gema Ramadhan Committee and the whole academic community at Udinus have also conducted many good deeds, including praying Tarawih in a congregation, conducting food giveaways, donating five tons of rice to the locals, and initiating social service on the road involving many organizations on campus. (Humas Udinus/Haris. Foto: Dok. Panitia Gema Ramadan)
