Commemorating Nuzulul Qur'an 1447 H, Momentum for PUI to Strengthen Preaching and Santri Role
The commemoration of Nuzulul Qur’an 1447 Hijriah is an important moment for Muslims to reaffirm their commitment to making the Qur’an the guide for their lives. The revelation of the first divine message to the Prophet Muhammad marked the beginning of Islamic civilisation, which upholds knowledge, moral character, truth, and justice.
Allah states in the Qur’an: “Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as a guide for humanity, and as clear proof of the guidance and criterion (between right and wrong).” (Qur’an 2:185)
Prof. Dr. KH. Achmad Tjachja Nugraha, Advisor to the Central Board of Persatuan Ummat Islam (PUI), stated on 12 March that Nuzulul Qur’an should be interpreted as an imperative for Muslims to draw closer to the Qur’an, so that it becomes a guide for every step and breath. The Qur’an must continually be studied through reading, understanding, and implementing the values it contains. The Qur’an serves not only as a guide for worship, but also provides direction in social life, education, and the development of civilisation.
“The commemoration of Nuzulul Qur’an should strengthen the awareness of the Muslim community that the Qur’an is a source of values and inspiration in building a civilised, knowledgeable, truthful, and just life. The Qur’an can serve as a reference for resolving life’s problems,” he said.
Achmad also cited the first Qur’anic verse revealed to the Prophet Muhammad: “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (Qur’an 96:1). According to him, this verse establishes that Islam places great emphasis on knowledge and education as the foundation for societal progress. Religious education and schooling are vital for the younger generation. Achmad also highlighted the importance of religious organisations in preserving and developing Qur’anic values within society. In this context, Persatuan Ummat Islam has a significant responsibility to strengthen preaching and education.
“Since its establishment, PUI has been known for its active role in educational development, preaching, and community empowerment. Through networks of Islamic schools, pesantrens, and various social institutions, PUI strives to promote moderate, knowledgeable, and morally upright Islamic values,” he said.
Achmad Tjachja, who also serves as an expert with Indonesia’s National Anti-Narcotics Agency, reminded that the role of santri in protecting schools, pesantrens, families, and communities from drug abuse must be strengthened, as this problem has spread to villages and schools. With the spirit of Nuzulul Qur’an, he called for strengthening the role of Islamic organisations, scholars, and santri in combating narcotics together.
Meanwhile, PUI General Chairman Raizal Arifin stated that the increasingly complex challenges of the times require Islamic organisations to remain adaptive without abandoning the fundamental values of Islamic teachings.
“PUI must continue to be present in society through education, preaching, and developing the younger generation so that Qur’anic values remain alive in the lives of the Muslim community,” he said.
Raizal also emphasised that santri have a strategic role in safeguarding the morality and civilisation of the Muslim community. Santri are not merely students in pesantrens but also a generation with significant responsibility in continuing the tradition of Islamic knowledge.
“Many santri from pesantrens have become prominent figures who made substantial contributions to the struggle for independence and national development. Santri must be a generation that is knowledgeable, morally upright, and capable of providing benefit to society. They are guardians of Islamic values and drivers of social change,” he stressed.
Raizal expressed hope that the commemoration of Nuzulul Qur’an 1447 H would strengthen the spirit of the Muslim community to make the Qur’an a guide for their lives, whilst encouraging the emergence of a generation of santri capable of addressing contemporary challenges and problems whilst maintaining Islamic values.