The Faculty of Islamic Studies at UIN Jakarta, as an academic institution in the field of Islamic studies, held an International Conference with the theme "Updates of Islamic and Arabic Studies in The Era of Covid-19 Pandemic." This conference was aimed at responding to the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in the realm of Islamic studies. The two-day conference began on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. M. Syairozi Dimyathi, Dean of FDI, Prof. Dr. Amany Lubis, Rector of UIN Jakarta, Dr. Zainul Mazdi, Chairman of the Indonesian Alumni Association of Al-Azhar (IAAI), Dr. Mohammed Husein Al-Mahroshowy, Rector of Al-Azhar University Cairo, and also the Vice President of Indonesia, KH. Ma’ruf Amin. The conference was not only attended by the academic community of UIN Jakarta but also featured speakers and participants from various countries, including Brunei Darussalam, India, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. The event was moderated by Dr. Imam Sujoko, M.A., and began with the recitation of the Quran by Dasrizal, S.S.I. The proceedings were conducted solemnly and smoothly.

In his speech, Dr. Zainul Mazdi emphasized several aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that the pandemic has stimulated a sense of sympathy and empathy for others. As we know, this pandemic has caused many changes in various sectors, including the economy, resulting in many people experiencing hardship. This is where the importance of brotherhood, solidarity, and cooperation comes into play, as a way to implement the noble teachings of Islam.

Dr. Mohammed Husein Al-Mahroshowy also spoke about the importance of prioritizing sympathy and empathy during the Covid-19 pandemic. He emphasized that the current pandemic should not be seen through the lens of differences in creed, religion, race, or group, but rather as an opportunity to strengthen human brotherhood, as stated in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13.

In the following session, KH. Ma’ruf Amin stressed the important role of Islamic studies in responding to religious issues that have emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. As we know, Islam is a religion that is suitable for all places and times (sholih likulli makan wa zaman), meaning Islam is a religion that does not burden its followers. This aligns with the Quranic verse, "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (Quran 2:185). Here lies the importance of optimizing the role of Islamic studies in addressing the religious issues arising during the Covid-19 pandemic.

(Journalist Team FDI: Ahmad Sya’ban Firdaus)