The Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) Student Islamic Boarding School (*Pesantren Mahasiswa*) held its "Farewell Sermon" (*Khutbah Wada*) for the first cohort at the Abu Bakar Assegaf Mosque on the Unissula campus on Thursday (October 29, 2026). This event marked the conclusion of a two-month boarding program attended by students from the Faculty of Medicine. Through this initiative, Unissula reaffirms its commitment to shaping students who possess a sound understanding of Islam, discipline in religious observance, and noble character.
During the program, the students received religious instruction, cultivated habits of worship, and were instilled with the value of *birrul walidain*—showing devotion and kindness toward one's parents. This training is part of an effort to build student character, enabling them to integrate academic achievement with Islamic values in their daily lives.
The Head of Unissula’s Institute for Islamic Studies and Development (LKPI)—who also serves as an official for the *Rabithah Ma'ahid Islamiyah* (RMI) of the Central Java branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU)—Moh Farhan, S.Pd.I., S.Hum., M.Pd.I., CWC, noted that the first cohort of the Sultan Agung Student Islamic Boarding School had concluded successfully. He expressed his hope that the knowledge and positive habits acquired during the program would serve the students well as they navigate their lives, both as university students and as members of the broader community.
Unissula’s Vice Rector III, Dr. Achmad Arifulloh, S.H., M.H., representing the Rector, expressed his appreciation to the students for completing the two-month program. He encouraged them to use the knowledge and experience they have gained to foster a sense of responsibility, set a positive example for others, and pursue academic excellence with dedication.
He also urged the students to embody an "Islamic Academic Culture" (*BudAI*) within their campus life, their families, and society at large. According to him, academic success must go hand in hand with the development of good character and devotion to one's parents. “Carry these good habits with you into the lecture hall, your home, and the wider community. Strive for achievement with sincerity, and ensure that every step you take is accompanied by devotion to your parents—so that you may become righteous individuals who are truly beneficial to others,” he advised.
In his *mauizah hasanah* (wise counsel), KH Ahmad Fadlullah Turmudzi—known as Gus Fad, caretaker of the APIK Islamic Boarding School in Kendal, Central Java, as well as Chairman of RMI PWNU Central Java and General Chairman of ASPENDIF Indonesia for the 2024–2029 term—reminded the audience that seeking religious knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim, both men and women. He explained that an Islamic boarding school (*pesantren*) serves as a place for self-cultivation, deepening one’s understanding of religion, and fostering a lifestyle aligned with *sharia* (Islamic law) guidelines.
Gus Fad also encouraged the students (*mahasantri*) to always purify their intentions when seeking knowledge and to perform every good deed solely for the sake of Allah SWT. According to him, the knowledge acquired must be manifested in one’s daily behavior and habits.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the devotional practices established during their time in the program—such as performing the five daily prayers in congregation and regularly attending religious study sessions. The success of an Islamic boarding school education, he added, is not merely marked by the completion of the program, but by the students' ability to sustain these good habits and consistently (*istiqamah*) apply what they have learned.
“The most important thing after leaving the boarding school is how you maintain your routines and remain steadfast (*istiqamah*) in practicing what you have gained. It is these habits that will shape your character and serve as a valuable asset throughout your life’s journey,” he advised.
The event was also attended by the Secretary of the Medical Professional Education Study Program, dr. Osa Endiputra, MSc, SpGK; the Head of the *Pesanmasa* Council of Teachers (*Dewan Asatidz*), Dr. H. Samsudin, SAg, MAg; and the Secretary of LKPI Unissula, Dr. Lela Zumala Rofiqoh, SM, MM. Head of the Division for Islamic Culture and Da'wah (BudAI) and Mass Communication, Mustain SPdI MPdI; Head of the Quran Learning Center Division, Dr. Sugeng Hariyadi Lc MA; and Head of the Mosque Development Division, Ali Mustofa.
Also in attendance were the Head of the Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) for Marketing and Public Relations at Unissula, Dr. Setiawan Widiyoko ST SH MSi MKn, and the Head of the Institute for Islamic Boarding School Development (LPKA), Ady Fajar Putranto SE MM.
Through this *Khutbah Wada* (Farewell Sermon), Unissula hopes that the students—who have participated in the *pesantren* (Islamic boarding school-style) guidance program—will continue the positive habits they have cultivated. It is expected that Islamic values, discipline in worship, and *birrul walidain* (dutifulness toward parents) will become an integral part of the students' character. Consequently, Unissula graduates will not only excel academically but will also possess noble moral character and a sense of care for others.
