Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (UNIMUS) held Halal Bihalal (Shawwal gathering) on Wednesday (11/05). The Rector of UNIMUS, Prof Dr Masrukhi; the former Rector of UNIMUS, Prof Dr Jamaludin Darwis, the Daily Advisory Board (BPH), Widadi; the Muhammadiyah Province Board of Central Java; the general public; and all invited guests attended. HMA Hisyam, S.Ag delivered an Islamic sermon at the gathering.

In his lecture, he explained that besides becoming a place to distribute knowledge and education, the university should become a religious da’wah and studies center. “Especially Muhammadiyah – ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs). These institutions should emerge with knowledge distribution and da’wah activities,” he highlighted. Afterward, he also mentioned that da’wah on campus could be created by research activities, academic studies, scientific writings, etc.

Furthermore, Prof Masrukhi also stated that Halal Bihalal could be a prestigious moment after fasting in the Holy month of Ramadan. Also, it could become a moment to strengthen the Islamic brotherhood and create hostility between communities. Prof Masrukhi also highlighted how to internalize tauhid (unification of God) and civility.

This Halal Bihalal forum raised the theme “To Strengthen Relationship” to be woven together between academic civitas, stakeholders, and surrounding communities. “I hope it becomes a sense of belonging (handarbeni). Therefore, the campus will bring benefits to all communities. It also can be beneficial for the general public for educational purposes in Indonesia,” Prof Masrukhi said, as reported on the UNIMUS site.