When asked to deliver a scientific oration at the Open Session of the Cordova University (UNDOVA) Senate for the 10th Graduation Ceremony held on Wednesday (2/10/2024), Prof. KH. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, M.Ed. M.Phil, explained the theme of his scientific oration entitled "The Role of Education as a Principle for Building Civilization"
He began to explain the topic in detail. When we talk about civilization, there are two terms that are rooted in the Islamic religion. First is the word civilization itself, which comes from the word manners.
Say manners, It turns out that it refers to the Qur'an and is also mentioned in a hadith 'The Qur'an is ma'dubah. Ma'dubah is likened to a feast (banquet, meal), whoever eats this meal will receive the greatest blessings.
Which second is a tamaddun term. The word tamaddun comes from the word din. Therefore, the city of Yathrib is where the Prophet Muhammad. emigrated, then changed its name to Medina. The word Medina has the root dƮn. And if studied closely philological The word Madinah actually shows that Madinah is the place where the religion is carried out.
This means that sharia, creed, transactions, and knowledge were carried out in a city called Medina, the primary source of which was the Qur'an. Therefore, it can be said that The Qur'an is a source of outlook on life for mankind, not just Muslims.
In the Qur'an there is knowledge, in the Qur'an there is faith (aqidah) and in the Qur'an there is also charity. These 3 (three) things are actually the pillars of Islamic civilization (shari'ah, aqidah, morals) and then (science, faith and charity). Then he emphasized that, The Qur'an is the holy book from which scientific disciplines were born.
Prof. Hamid also touched on how the contribution of Islamic science was able to revive and illuminate European nations which in the 7th century were still in a state of complete darkness. (dark ages)Europe has learned a lot of knowledge from Islam and brought it back to their respective countries, until the peak of the French Revolution occurred.
Furthermore, Prof. Hamid also mentioned that Cordova University (UNDOVA) West Sumbawa is a historic university and is part of the history of the advancement of Islamic science and civilization.
His final advice to all graduates was "Seek knowledge to the highest level, and you will be rich, even if you have no money. Don't aspire to money, for you will never be rich, and you will never be honored with just money."
This is the message from Prof. Dr. KH. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, M.Ed., M.Phil. Hopefully, it will be a reflection for us in particular, so that we never tire of seeking knowledge and are able to put it into practice.
Amen, O Lord of the Worlds
