UII Sore Nyastra Explores Religion & Palestine Solidarity

Sleman—The poetry reading event, UII Sore Nyastra, organized by Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), highlighted the themes of joy in religion, independence, and solidarity for Palestine.

The event, held in collaboration with the Embun Kalimasada Cultural Institute under the UII Waqf Foundation (YBW UII), brought together lecturers, staff, and students to explore the three distinct themes at different venues and times.

The theme of “Joy in Religion” was held on Monday (4/11) at Waduk Pelang or Waduk I of UII, featuring poetry readings by UII lecturers, staff, and students.

UII Rector Prof. Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., shared during this session that UII Sore Nyastra #5 was inspired by Prophet Muhammad’s approach of spreading joyful messages without instilling fear. He noted that some forms of religious preaching inadvertently emphasize fear over joy.

Through this event, Fathul encouraged the delivery of religious messages in ways that bring happiness and peace.

“Helping others can bring happiness and tranquility. Likewise, respecting parents fosters comfort and harmony,” said Prof. Fathul.

“These deeds remind us that religious teachings aim to bring happiness into our lives, not the opposite,” he added.

Fathul also mentioned that poetry could serve as a medium for self-reflection on the essence of religion as a source of goodness.

Executive Director of Embun Kalimasada, Hadza Min Fadli Robby, S.I.P., M.Sc., noted that religion does not have to be associated with gloom or monotony. “The poems presented on various topics demonstrate that religion can be friendly and approachable,” Hadza explained.

The theme “Are We Truly Independent?” was explored at the North Veranda of the Mohammad Hatta Main Library, UII’s Main Campus on Jalan Kaliurang, on Thursday (29/8).

This session took place alongside an exhibition titled “Learning from Mangunwijaya”, organized by UII’s Architecture Undergraduate Study Program – International Program and SEAM Encounters.

Rector Fathul Wahid connected the theme to Indonesia’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on the 17th of August. In his view, independence cannot be separated from freedom, particularly in the context of development.

“Quoting Amartya Sen’s capability approach, development is about freedom and independence. When freedom is lost, development ceases,” Fathul explained.

He also noted that independence relates to people’s access and choices, such as education for children or accessing healthcare services, while self-reliance pertains to capacity, functions, and commodities.

Fathul urged Indonesian leaders to uphold the mandate of the people by pursuing social justice.

The theme of Palestine was equally significant. This session took place at the North Foyer of the UII Mohammad Hatta Main Building on Tuesday (11/6).

Fathul stressed the importance of rekindling solidarity and empathy for the victims of the Gaza conflict. “It’s vital to build collective awareness that fellow human beings are being oppressed, stripped of their rights,” he stated.

Farhan Abdul Majiid, a lecturer from the Department of International Relations, read one of his poems.

“In the darkness of night, a candle’s light shines brighter than the glimmer of stars, for the distance magnifies its impact. In the harsh desert, a drop of water satisfies far more than a vast wave of the sea, for time races by without pause,” read Farhan.

Farhan asserted that solidarity for the Palestinian people must continue to resonate despite political or economic challenges. “Even if faith falters, silence is not an option. Deep within our hearts lies the conviction that freedom is the right of all nations,” he concluded.