DWP Kemenag: Religious life must be lived with compassion

…Religion should not be interpreted as a burden but as a light guiding the steps of life

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Helmi Halimatul Udhma, adviser of Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, emphasised that religiosity should be pursued with joy and compassion as the main foundation for shaping santri who are resilient and characterful.

“Religious life should indeed be lived with joy and compassion. Religion is not to be seen as a burden, but as a light guiding the steps of life,” Helmi said in a statement released in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Helmi’s remarks were delivered at the Takjil Pesantren: Talkshow and Ngaji Bareng Santri titled “Beragama dengan Asyik” on Tuesday, (3/3) at Pesantren Daarul Rahman, South Jakarta.

Helmi said religiosity lived with an open heart and love will form a strong character while being down-to-earth in daily life.

He added that pesantren are not only centres of religious education but spaces for shaping a generation ready to face the developments of the times. Many pesantren alumni have gone on to become leaders and make tangible contributions to the nation.

Helmi emphasised that the strength of santri lies in the blend of faith, knowledge, and morals. Closeness to Allah and respect for teachers are vital pillars in building the future.

“Santri are the nation’s successors. With faith, knowledge, and morals, santri will be able to move forward and benefit the people and the nation,” he said.

He also reminded of the importance of maintaining etiquette and sincerity in the pursuit of knowledge. Those values, he argued, reflect the success of pesantren education.

“Sincerity and genuineness in pursuing knowledge at pesantren will yield good results in the future,” he said.