The Faculty of Islamic Studies at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta recently held a major event organized by DEMA FDI. The opening of Hamasah (Harokah Musabaqah Al-Lughoh Al-Arabiyyah Wa Mahrajan ats-Tsaqafah) featured a national seminar with the theme "The Role of the Arabic Language in Cross-Cultural Recognition." The event took place in person at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Training Center on Tuesday, November 22. It included two inspiring speakers: Habiburrahman El Shirazy, Lc, Pg.D., an acclaimed novelist and literary figure in Indonesia, and Dr. TGB. Muhammad Zainul Majdi, Lc, M.A., who serves as the Head of the International Alumni Association of Al-Azhar (OIAA) Indonesia Branch, Chairman of Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (NWDI), and Executive Head of DPP Perindo.

The event was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Dr. Mohammad Syairozi, other academic staff, and competition participants from various institutions, including UMY, UIN Kalijaga, and UIN Bandung, as well as other enthusiastic attendees. During the opening session, Fajar Iskandar, Chair of HAMASAH 2022, expressed that this was the first time the event was held in person after a two-year hiatus when it was conducted online. The seminar was moderated by Teguh Satria Pendowo, a fifth-semester student who was recognized as the Best Speaker in the ASEAN Arabic Debate at Al-Amien Madura.

In his session, Habiburrahman El Shirazy shared stories and experiences from his work in Arabic literature, saying, "With a passion and love for the Arabic language, I was able to go to Egypt and engage with various experiences. It was because of Arabic that Ayat-Ayat Cinta and other works were born," he said. He advised young people who will carry forward the legacy of leadership to master all languages and concluded his session by reciting his poem, Al-Qur'an yang Bernyawa, with great flair.

Dr. TGB. Muhammad Zainul Majdi, as Chairman of the Al-Azhar Alumni Association, emphasized the importance of the Arabic language, saying, "Let us continue to preserve the Arabic language, access vast knowledge, and fulfill the duty of seeking all types of knowledge, thus fostering an Islamic generation of excellence within society. Arabic has played a significant role in driving the world toward progress," he explained.

Not only university students, but also high school students eagerly participated in the competitions, filling up the quota with 41 participants. Additionally, the National Arabic Debate at the university level reached its full quota with 16 teams, and nearly 40 participants registered for the Musabaqah Qiro'atil Kutub (MQK). The competition was judged by experts in their respective fields, boasting impressive achievements and extensive experience.

On the third day, the events continued with competitions in the Musabaqah Fahmil Qur’an (MFQ) category, which had a full lineup of 16 teams, the Qiro'atis Syi'ir competition at the university level with 37 participants, and the general Calligraphy competition. The Arabic Debate semifinal was also held. In total, nearly 200 participants took part in the various events. All competitions proceeded smoothly, with participants enthusiastic about showcasing their talents, expanding their networks by connecting with other institutions, and gaining invaluable experience.

On Friday, November 25, 2022, the final day of the Hamasah event, activities commenced with the Arabic Debate final, followed by the closing ceremony and announcement of the competition results in the early hours. Before concluding the event, Fajar Iskandar, Chair of the Hamasah Organizing Committee, delivered a speech: “Thank you to both the participants and committee, as both are essential to one another; what would be the role of a committee without participants? We sincerely hope that participants will continue to support and enliven this event. We apologize for any shortcomings on our part as organizers, and we hope that the Hamasah agenda will further Islamic studies and Arabic language studies, which are indeed the vision and mission of the Faculty of Islamic Studies.”

Lastly, Dr. Syairozi Dimyathi, M.A., Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, gave a closing address: “I am very impressed by the enthusiasm of the participants in making this event lively. Whether winners or not this time, may Allah grant success in the future. Arabic is very important, indeed obligatory for Muslims, and at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, this is essential, as the program is based on Arabic. This event is a valuable way to enhance one’s capacity in using the language,” he stated.