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TULUNGAGUNG – Discussion of the book Exploring the Spirituality of Ramadan Syarah Reflections of the Chancellor of IAIN Tulungagung took place cheerfully. The discussion held by LP2M IAIN Tulungagung was held virtually via zoom, Wednesday (4/11/2020).
This book was born from the reflections of the Chancellor of IAIN Tulungagung, Prof. Maftukhin, during Ramadhan. Then, lectured by Vice Chancellor III Abad Badruzzaman. The reflections are in the form of quotes written every day. Furthermore, Abad even interpreted every sentence that appeared from the rector's thoughts.
The emergence of this book was able to give rise to new traditions in the higher education academic environment. Namely writing sharah based on someone's reflections. Reason, This tradition always emerged from our previous scholars.
Ulil Absor Abdala, one of the Islamic intellectuals who was a discussant at the event said the book written by two intellectuals from the Tulungagung campus was interesting to read. The reason, This book was written based on the author's attitude. So, will be easier for the public to understand.
"So I think this book falls into the category of moderate Islam in the middle of society. Reason, written from the author's character,he said.
According to Ulil, There are two models of religion currently in society. Namely based on writing or scientific works. Besides that, some are based on simple Islam. It means that Islam is practiced by a society that does not go up and down.
''I think these two models of religion are important. However, I just want to remind us together as academics on campus, don't be arrogant. Daily practices are also important. Prof. Maftukhin's reflections were actually born from Islam as a practice. Reflections during Ramadan with short sentences that Islam was born from men. It comes from an experience he has had. Indeed, sometimes at certain moments we experience poetic experiences. Different from intellectual experience,he said.
Ulil suggested, In order to produce reflection it must be mature. Don't let that reflection be produced all the time. Like coconut milk, he said, if it is more watery it will be less delicious. On the contrary, if the production process of the mush is settled, it will become thicker and better.
''I think this is a good writer collaboration. Ideal collaboration. So I am very happy to be given the opportunity to write prolong,he explained.
Apart from Ulil, Prof. Ahmad Ali Nurdin, The Dean of Social Sciences at UIN Bandung appreciated the birth of this book. According to him, in the midst of their busy lives as officials, namely the chancellor and vice chancellor, they can still produce good work.
''I think this is important to imitate. Even though the two authors are busy as Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, they can still be productive,he said.
According to him, The tradition of providing sharah for someone's reflections needs to be preserved. Reason, this tradition is indeed done more by previous scholars. Many classic books were born from the teachings of scholars. Nah, The existence of a sharah model book for this reflection adds to the body of knowledge in the Islamic higher education environment.
Meanwhile, The Chancellor of IAIN Tulungagung, Prof. Maftukhin, said this, Scientific traditions on Islamic campuses must continue to be maintained. According to him, a lecturer can fail to become rector or dean. However, Don't fail as an academic or scientist.
"So I think it is important that we collaborate. As academics, we can collaborate with each other to create works. We can fail to become rector or dean. But we cannot fail as academics. Reason, academics are in our DNA,’’ he explained.
Prof. Maftukhin added, The teaching is not singular. However, It is compound in nature so it can be interpreted by anyone. Therefore, This reflection can be told from the perspective of other sciences. It's not just an interpretation. ''For example, from physics or biology,he said.
Abad Badruzaman, as a lecturer, admitted that he was at a loss when he had to direct quotes. However, Slowly, he managed to complete the sharah of every quote that appeared during Ramadan.
"I tried hard to interpret what the Chancellor was thinking about. I think there are three things to ponder. One of them is meditation on the verses of the Qur'an,he stressed.
Chairman of LP2M IAIN Tulungagung Ngainun Naim said the book review discussion was part of the scientific tradition on campus. According to him, Every week this institution holds lecture series activities.
''This activity is a tradition that we continue to maintain. Namely producing work and then discussing it,'' he said. (*)
