Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) held a Grand Preaching of Islamic Congregation, inviting the Guardian of Nurul Haromain Islamic Boarding School, Pujon, Malang, KH. Muhammad Ihya'ulumiddin, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. It took place at the Zahratul Ummah Mosque, attended by thousands of congregants from Malang Raya, Nurul Haromain students, Thursina management, all HR and Thursina IIBS students.
The Chairman of Thursina IIBS, Ustaz Dr. H. Muhammad Ali Wahyudi, the CEO of Thursina IIBS, Ustaz Nur Abidin, M.Ed., Ed.D., and Ustaz KH. Fathurrahman Hafidzahullah as the Thursina IIBS sharia board and the advisory board of the Thursina IIBS Foundation attended as well in the event. The presence of these various elements reflects the high enthusiasm of the community for religious agenda that cultivate the spirituality and Islamic brotherhood nurtured in Thursina.
Preceding the main agenda, the entire congregation solemnly recited the Dhikr Jama'i, led by KH. Rofi'an Karim. The atmosphere in the mosque was calm and solemn, creating a profound spiritual space for the whole participants. This communal dhikr served as an opening, preparing the congregation's hearts to better receive the sermons that were to be delivered.
In his preaching, KH. M. Ihya'ulumiddin or who is familiarly called Abi Ihya' delivered material taken from his personal book notes. It contains a collection of hadith, prayers and wirid practices, as a guide in strengthening a servant's relationship with Allah SWT. The simple but in-depth delivery makes it easy for the congregation to understand and appreciate every message conveyed.
Abi Ihya' emphasized that to become a person loved by Allah, one must be able to subdue ego and desires. He stated, "As long as veils (obstructing desires) dominate a person, they will fail to be loved by Allah. If prayers are strenuous, fasting is difficult, then it will be harder to meet Allah," he explained.
The message serves as a reminder that without the strength of faith, humans are merely a physical journey. Consistency in worship is the way to break down this "veil," so that every step toward the future will always be guided by Him.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining persistence in worship and increasing dhikr and prayer as a way of being closer to Allah. The Kiai, an alumnus of the Langitan Islamic boarding school, encouraged congregants to make these practices a part of their daily lives, so that their hearts are always guarded and filled with peace.
"How can humans be close to Allah if they rarely remember Him and pray? So it feels like these two things are something we must do frequently," said Abi Ihya.
It was followed by a discussion session between the congregation and Abi Ihya' and the leaders of Thursina IIBS. This moment was full of warmth, becoming a symbol of togetherness and closeness between ulama, educational institutions and society. Furthermore, the ambience strengthens the ties of islamic brotherhood.
In closing, Abi Ihya' delivered a special prayer for Thursina IIBS and its elements. "May Allah always protect and bless Thursina, the leaders, asatidz, all stakeholders, and the students. May it be an institution that gives birth to a pious, knowledgeable generation, and brings broad benefits to the people. And may every step and endeavor taken will always be under the protection and approval of Allah SWT."
Thursina IIBS hopes to continue providing spiritual development spaces that are beneficial for students and the wider community by the event. It is not only a means of gaining knowledge, but also increasing the values of togetherness, peace of mind, and enthusiasm to improve the quality of worship in daily life. (iz/lil)
