UNAIR NEWS – Halal bihalal is a unique tradition by Indonesian people during Eid to strengthen ties and forgive one another. But in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, the community could not do halal bihalal like Eid al-Fitr in previous years.
However, it does not prevent Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) from holding halal bihalal. For the first time, halal bihalal was conducted online through Zoom and Universitas Airlangga Youtube channel. There were 300 Zoom participants and 176 YouTube viewers participated in UNAIR Online Open House and Discussion on May 26, 2020.
The event was live from Campus C Management Office Building UNAIR while maintaining strict health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, SE., MT., Ak with the other leaderships, colleagues and academicians of UNAIR were also attending.
Halal bihalal was opened with a sermon by Ustad Drs. Ec. Suherman Rosyidi, M.Com. According to him, the Islamic holiday is the only holiday that the bearer of the religion could enjoyed as the Prophet Muhammad also celebrated this holiday. Islam has been 1400 years, and during that time there have also been many changes in the times, but until now the teachings of Islam are still carried out. Religion exists to give instructions on what should and should not be done.
“Islam comes to straighten everything so that you will be pious,” he said.
In Islam that has made things straight, Indonesians out of creativity started halal bihalal events. Prophet Muhammad promised, anyone who prays and fasts in the month of Ramadan in an orderly manner will be purified like a newborn baby.
“Then, Indonesian people were creative, with my fast I am purified before God. I pay zakat, I clean my property. One thing less (ie) being clean with fellow human being. Then (it happened) halal bihalal was done, “he explained.
Ustad Suherman emphasized that halal bihalal is one of the cleansing trilogy to God, wealth and people. If humans do it sincerely, it will bring goodness in human life.
“With that spirit, hopefully we can get the meaning and value of the holiday,” he added.
In the end, Ustad Suherman added that with COVID-19 pandemic, going to the office would only become a formality. In the future, there will be two groups that will support and reject Work From Home (WFH) and return to the old way.
“I don’t know which strength will be stronger later. There will be a new balance that coincides with the concept of the Minister of Education and Culture (Minister of Education and Culture, ed) about independent studies, “he concluded (*)
Author: Sandi Prabowo
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
