Palembang, FAH News Online – The deputy dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta paid an official visit to UIN Raden Fatah Palembang on 6-8 November 2024. This visit aims to initiate cooperation in opening the Doctoral Program in the History of Islamic Civilization (SPI) which will later provide advanced study opportunities in this field. The FAH UIN Jakarta group of seven people was led by Deputy Dean I, Dr. Ida Farida, MLIS; Deputy Dean II, Dr. Siti Amsariah, M.Ag; and Deputy Dean III, Prof. Dr. Usep Abdul Matin, S.Ag., MA, Ph.D. This team was also attended by the Head of the Master of Islamic History and Culture (MSKI) Study Program, Prof. Jajat Burhanuddin, MA; as well as SPI lecturer, Dr. Mauidlotun Nisa, M.Hum. and Dr. Awalia Rahma, MA, and Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum., as GJM.

Upon arrival at UIN Raden Fatah Palembang, the delegation from FAH UIN Jakarta was warmly welcomed by the Postgraduate Director, Deputy Directors, Chair and Secretary of the SPI Study Program, Chair of the Islamic Religious Education Study Program (PAI), as well as the sub-district head and staff. This meeting took place in the Postgraduate Director's meeting room with the main agenda presenting the vision of the Doctoral Program in the History of Islamic Civilization (SPI), as well as exploring academic and philosophical concepts that will become the basis of the curriculum and study orientation of the doctoral program.

Deputy Dean I for Academic Affairs FAH UIN Jakarta, Dr. Ida Farida, MLIS, in her speech said that apart from establishing friendship, this visit also aims to build cooperation in opening doctoral programs at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities. "We hope that this collaboration can strengthen relations between FAH UIN Jakarta and UIN Raden Fatah Postgraduate, and jointly improve the quality of education in the History of Islamic Civilization within UIN in Indonesia," he said.

Discussion of the Concepts and Objectives of Opening the SPI Doctoral Program

Head of the Master's Study Program (S2) History of Islamic Culture (MSKI) Prof. Jajat Burhanuddin, MA, in his speech said that SPI's doctoral program aims to strengthen the empirical study of the history of Islamic civilization, as well as separate it from the more casuistic aspects of Sufism and spirituality. According to him, although spiritual elements are often part of the history of Islamic civilization, academic studies must prioritize objectivity and a universally applicable scientific basis, not individual casuistic experiences.

“Spiritual experiences are casuistic in nature, in contrast to medicine which can be widely applied. Therefore, historical science must be separated from metaphysical things such as spiritual healing,” said Prof. Jajat. Furthermore, he added that the importance of Sufism courses in this program remains relevant, but must be placed in an academic portion so as not to reduce the quality of knowledge.

Prof. Munir from UIN Raden Fatah also expressed his view that Islamic civilization in the concept of "ulul albab" in the Qur'an has two important roles: as "tibyaanan" (explanator of revelation and understanding of the universe) and "tashdiiqan" (confirmative and constructive). He emphasized that the integration of Islam, science and technology is the main focus, where research not only produces scientific publications (Scopus), but also concrete products such as health products based on ancestral manuscripts.

“We encourage students to explore classical texts, such as strong medicine manuscripts by Palembang ulama, and collaborate between Islam, science and technology so that research results are not only published in journals, but also have real products,” said Prof. Munir.

Then, Prof. Amin Abdullah explained the importance of science interconnection. According to him, a multidisciplinary approach is very important, but he emphasizes that he carries a transdisciplinary approach. "I see things, like bidara leaves, not only from the concept, but also from the benefits and chemical elements. "This approach encourages deeper cognitive awareness," he explained.

Focus on the Continuous Study of Civilizations

In further discussion, Prof. Munir explained that the Malay-Nusantara civilization has values that need to be inherited and studied well. The SPI doctoral program at UIN Raden Fatah is oriented towards “continuity and change” in Islamic civilization in the archipelago, with an interconnection of science approach and cross-disciplinary collaboration such as pharmacology and biomedicine for health research. According to him, this research can create output that is practical and useful for the wider community.

Furthermore, Prof. Munir also highlighted the importance of civilizational studies focused on non-material aspects, which are considered more relevant in the development of history and civilization. This program also opens up opportunities for collaboration and contribution in the study of the turats or ancestral cultural heritage of the archipelago, which covers the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Madagascar.

Expectations and Objectives of the SPI Doctoral Program

Through this doctoral program, both FAH UIN Jakarta and UIN Postgraduate Raden Fatah hope to make a significant contribution to learning the broader history of Islamic civilization, especially in the context of the archipelago. This program not only aims to understand past history, but also provides predictions of historical impacts for the future through a transdisciplinary approach and a focus on the integration of religious and scientific sciences.

It is hoped that this doctoral program can be realized soon, considering the need for studying the history of Islamic civilization which not only covers cultural aspects but is also able to answer scientific challenges in the modern era.

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