Ciputat, FAH News online - The name Yus Ramadhani may still be unfamiliar to some people. However, for participants of the International Conference on Digital Humanities: Innovation, Challenges, and Future held by the Faculty of Adab and Humanities UIN Jakarta which was held on 5 September 2025, this Arabic Language and Literature Study Program student appeared confident with his unique and memorable paper.

In the academic forum attended by 78 participants from within and outside the country, Yus presented a paper entitled "Semiotic Meaning of Mahabbatu Iblis Lillah Poem by Jalaluddin Rumi in the Book of Al-Matsnawi Al-Maknawi and Its Contribution to SDGs." This research explores the paradoxical side of the concept of mahabbah (love) in Rumi's work, especially about how Iblis is described as still loving Allah even though he has to become an antagonist as a test in human life.

"I chose this theme because the study of mahabbah iblis lillah is still rare in the academic world. In fact, this is important to open a new discourse in understanding the figure of Iblis as God's creation from a different perspective," said Yus when interviewed by the FAH journalist team.

Challenges that must be faced

As his first experience writing a paper in English, Yus admitted that he had difficulty choosing the right vocabulary. However, with the guidance of BSA lecturer, Dr Zubair M.Ag., he managed to complete his paper. "I felt very relieved after successfully presenting the paper in front of hundreds of audiences. The long preparation that I had gone through finally paid off," he said.

Yus' persistence was not in vain. The response from the audience was positive, even one of the speakers was actively involved in follow-up discussions about his research. For him, it was a sign that his paper had strong academic appeal.

Contribution to SDGs

Interestingly, Yus' research does not stop at literary studies alone. He linked it to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 on quality spiritual education and SDG 16 on peace and justice. "Rumi describes Iblis as a figure who is willing to be a test for humans because of his love for God," he explained.

Benefits and Expectations

In addition to broadening his horizons, the experience of being an international presenter also improved Yus' English language skills, both writing and speaking. "I learnt a lot in a relatively short time. While as an audience, I also got a lot of insight from the research of other presenters," he added.

At the end of the interview, Yus left a message for other students not to hesitate to participate in similar events. "Don't be afraid to try. The best paper is the one that is finished, and the best performance is the one that is prepared. So immediately finish the paper and prepare the presentation carefully," he said.

Yus also hopes that this international seminar can continue regularly, once a year or every two years, so that more FAH students will dare to appear in world forums.

Writer: Putri Yasmin Azzahra

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