Thursday, July 10, 2025 - An international webinar titled “Jihad Nowadays: The Spirit of Muslim Students in the War of Thought and Morals” successfully organized by the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten with the participation of hundreds of participants from various countries.
This event is an important space to discuss jihad in the perspective of modern Muslim thought, while strengthening the role of Muslim students in facing global, intellectual, and moral challenges.
This webinar presents various international speakers from various backgrounds, including:
Muhammad ‘Abda Shukura (Al-Azhar University, Egypt)
Yazid ‘Aunullah Sha'ban (Al-Azhar University, Egypt)
Muqaddas Sharif (جامعة الدول العربية - Cairo)
Bahra Ramadhani Kalbiar (Faculty of Da'wah Islamiyah, Tripoli, Libya)
A'idah Fathriyawati (Department of Da'wah and Criticism, Al-Azhar University, Egypt)
Hamdani Nabilur Rizq (UIN SMH Banten, Indonesia)
Ade Furqon Hakim (UIN SMH Banten, Indonesia)
Preparation and Opening
The enthusiasm of the participants was evident in the preparation for this webinar. A total of 230 participants were present when the event started, and this number continues to grow. The event was officially opened by MC Vina Hikmatul Huda. The opening series began with the recitation of the holy Qur'an by Ustadz Muhammad Abden Syakuro and a prayer led by Ustadz Fathurrahman. Dean of the Faculty of Usuluddin and Adab, Dr. Muhammad Hudaeri, M.Ag, gave a speech, emphasizing the importance of the role of students in the jihad of thought in the contemporary era. Then the speech was continued by the Rector of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten. Prof. Dr. H. Wawan Wahyuddin, M.Pd and officially opened the event. In his speech, Rector of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten, Prof. Dr. H. Wawan Wahyuddin, M.Pd., highlighted the strategic role of Muslim students as the hope of the nation and the main pillar of civilizational change. He emphasized that students are not only required to excel in academics, but also to be individuals with strong character and high morals.
He emphasized the importance of diligence in studying, wise use of technology in preaching, and sensitivity to global humanitarian issues, including the struggle of the Palestinian people. The Rector also reminded the importance of student responsibility in filtering and disseminating correct information, as well as contributing significantly in the community.
“Intellectual and moral jihad is our way of struggle today. Students must be pioneers in voicing the truth, building civilization through knowledge, and spreading benefits to the people,” he said closing his remarks.
Morality as the Foundation of Civilization
Yazid, one of the speakers, conveyed the urgency of moral values in building Islamic civilization. He highlighted the prevailing moral crises, such as corruption and the spread of negative content, and asserted that the revival of Islamic civilization depends on strong and consistent morals.
Moderate Islam as a Pillar of Student Identity
Muqoddas conveyed the importance of the concept of Wasatiyah Islam (moderate Islam) as a solution for Muslim students facing a global identity crisis. He emphasized five main principles: balance, justice, tolerance, equality, improvement, and renewal, as well as the importance of literacy towards credible Islamic sources.
Modeling the Prophet and Preventing Radicalism
Ustadz Bahra Ramadhani Kaligar discussed the views of Western figures on the Prophet Muhammad and invited participants to emulate his character. Ustazah Aida Fitriawati then introduced the concept of intellectual jihad to counter radical understanding, emphasizing the importance of mastering Arabic and critical thinking about religious texts.
Conceptual Discussion and Critical Thinking
The discussion was dynamic, including a debate on the smallest form of jihad. Ahmad Shlahudin said that jihad against oneself is the smallest, while Aida emphasized the variation of understanding depending on the discipline. Ustadz Hamdan Nail Risk then discussed the challenges of secularism and the importance of strengthening students' scientific and spiritual foundations.
A Critique of the Commercialization of Religion
Ade Furqon raised the issue of commercialization of religion, highlighting the misuse of religious symbols for material gain. He invites people to become critical consumers and produce content that educates rather than just going viral.
Knowledge and Blessings
In the Q&A session, the topic of the relationship between knowledge and blessings was discussed. Knowledge is considered a path to blessings, provided it is used appropriately. The discussion also touched on the importance of distinguishing between people who lack knowledge and those who refuse to think critically.
Cover
The event closed with an invitation to continue fighting for modern jihad through education, media, and moral improvement. The MC reminded participants of the importance of the role of Muslim students as agents of change. The session ended with a group photo and information about the next agenda and certificate distribution.
