Thousands Gather for UNU Jogja Bersholawat to Celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday and Pray for the Nation’s Safety

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - The melodious chants of sholawat echoed from the 5th floor of UNU Jogja’s campus on Friday, August 29. Without being prompted, thousands of people joined in praising the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), following the soulful voice of renowned munsyid from Egypt, Mostafa Atef, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of the rebana from Hadroh Bil Musthofa Krapyak.

In an atmosphere of both joy and solemn devotion, ‘UNU Jogja Bersholawat’ was held in great spirit. The event brought together kiai (Islamic scholars), santri (students of Islamic boarding schools), Nahdliyin congregants, representatives of local authorities, and government officials, who mingled with UNU Jogja’s academic community and the wider public to celebrate the commemoration of the Prophet’s birthday (Maulid Nabi).

Opening the event, Acting Rector of UNU Jogja Suhadi Cholil said that organizing ‘UNU Jogja Bersholawat’ was a form of gratitude for the university’s recent achievements.

One of those achievements is the collaboration with the United Arab Emirates through the establishment of the Mohamed Bin Zayed (MBZ) College for Future Studies, a graduate school focusing on future studies, which will soon be realized after undergoing a long process.

“UNU Jogja has also recently received recognition in the World University Ranking of Innovation (WURI), placing UNU Jogja at 375th among the world’s most innovative universities,” he added.

On this occasion, Suhadi also announced that UNU Jogja is still accepting new student admissions. “So, if you have family members or children who want to study at UNU Jogja, our doors are wide open,” he said.

Meanwhile, KH. Zuhdi Muhdlor, Chairman of the Executive Board of PWNU DIY, stated that the event carried many benefits. Its foremost virtue is strengthening bonds and familiarity among UNU Jogja’s academic community, NU congregants, local government, and society at large.

“Another benefit is nurturing our love for our master, the Great Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose intercession we long for on the Day of Judgment,” he remarked.

As the keynote speaker, Dr. Mohammad Nouh, representing MBZ University of Humanities, said the event was an expression of the community’s love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “Between us and you (O Prophet) lie centuries and vast distances, yet we feel you are present in our hearts,” he said.

It is through that love that Muslims fulfill God’s commands and increase their piety. “Tonight, we are joyful because Allah has honored us with your birth, O Messenger of Allah. We pray that you grant us your intercession and that we may enter Paradise with you,” he proclaimed.

The next speaker, KH. Zulfa Mustofa, Deputy Chairman of PBNU, explained that events such as ‘UNU Jogja Bersholawat’ are part of Nahdlatul Ulama’s traditions, in accordance with the teachings of Ahlussunah Waljamaah (Aswaja).

“Ahlussunah Waljamaah Islam means loving the homeland, showing compassion to fellow Muslims, respecting differences, preserving good traditions of the past, and embracing new and beneficial innovations — just like UNU Jogja, which maintains tradition yet is also a modern university,” he explained.

Kiai Zulfa also emphasized that Islam Aswaja teaches love for the homeland, and one expression of this is the shared sorrow when the country faces turmoil and unrest. According to him, when Indonesia grieves, NU also grieves, as NU played a vital role in the nation’s independence — allowing today’s freedom to worship.

“When you travel the world, you can see that Indonesia is like paradise. We can recite sholawat, study the Qur’an, and go to school in peace. That is why NU teaches us to love both our country and our religion in one breath,” he said.

He then invited the audience to pray for the nation’s safety so it may overcome its current challenges. “Let us pray that Allah grants Indonesia leaders who love His religion and care for the struggling people. Let us pray that we can swiftly pass through these difficult times,” Kiai Zulfa urged. [Arif]