South Tangerang, FAH Online News – Innalillahi wa Innailaihi Raji'un, has passed away to Rahmatullah, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Dien Madjied, Professor of History from the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Monday Morning (24/03/2025) at the age of 76 years, in Pamulang, South Tangerang. He was born in Takengon, Central Aceh, after spending most of his life as a history teacher and researcher at FAH UIN Jakarta.

Sad news regarding the death of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Dien Madjid was conveyed by the Dean of FAH, Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, S.Ag., SS, M.Hum. In his statement, he said, “Innalillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji'un. We, the entire extended family of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, UIN Jakarta, are saddened by the passing of Prof. Dr. M. Dien Madjid, lecturer at the Islamic History and Civilization Study Program, on Monday, March 24 2025. May he get the best place by His side.”

Quoting from UIN Online News, after being prayed for, the body of the late Prof. Dien Madjid was immediately taken to his final resting place at the UIN Jakarta Cemetery Complex, Jl. Semanggi II, Ciputat, South Tangerang. Chancellor of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, MA, Ph.D., who also prayed and delivered the body with his colleagues and the family of the deceased, expressed his deep condolences for his departure.

Professor Dien Madjid is an academic figure who is diligent in studying. Born on July 6 1949 in Takengon, Central Aceh, he studied higher education at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. In 2002, he successfully defended a dissertation entitled "Transportation of Hajj Pilgrims in the Colonial Period at the End of the XIX Century-Early XX Century," which was later published as the book Hajj in the Colonial Period (2004).

When he was young and old, he diligently wrote books and scientific articles which were published in several journals, such as the book Early History of Islam in Gayo in the XI-XIV Centuries and Social History in Gayo in the XIV-XVII Centuries published by Mahara Publishing Publishers 2020.

Apart from this book which greatly enriches the literature about Gayo's history and social development which has been felt to be limited, he also wrote a book which is a guide for UIN Jakarta Islamic History and Civilization Students in studying how to write history, namely Historical Science, an Introduction and Historical Method: Theory and Practice.

It doesn't stop there, he continues to broaden his academic horizons. In 1990, he continued his studies at Leiden University, Netherlands, with a focus on Islamic studies and Dutch. He also participated in various scientific forums in France and studied languages at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), England and Egypt. His intellectual journey has made him a historian with broad insight and a global perspective in studying Islamic history.

Dr. Johan Wahyudi, M.Hum., one of the lecturers who once accompanied Prof. Dien Madjid, from student to assistant lecturer, remembered him as a figure of discipline and integrity. “Prof. Dien always instills discipline, including in the neatness of his clothes. He has the motto: ‘Respect yourself, before being respected by others.’ "For him, people's impression of us starts with the way we dress," said Dr. Johan.

In the academic environment, Prof. Dien is known as a person who always arrives early at every meeting or seminar. Even in his old age, he remained active in voicing his ideas in various scientific forums. “In the eyes of students, Prof. Dien implements a unique tradition: ‘In your class my students, but outside we are friends.’ This makes students feel comfortable and more motivated in learning,” added Dr. Johan.

For more than a decade (2011-2025), Dr. Johan admitted that he had gained a lot of valuable knowledge and experience from Prof. Dien, especially in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, especially in the fields of teaching and research. “He has been very influential in my career and life,” he concluded.

As a form of respect, the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held a tahlilan online to pray for Prof. Dr. Muhammad Dien Madjid on Tuesday (25/03/2025) at 15.30 WIB. This event was led by Johan Wahyudi and Zacky Mubarok, M.Hum., leading a series of Yasin prayers and readings. On this occasion, the family also conveyed a message represented by Ahmad Faeruz, the son of the deceased.

"Our hope is that everyone who attends this event will receive blessings, and please open the door of deep forgiveness for our father," said Ahmad Faeruz. He also expressed his desire for Prof.'s collection of books. Quite a lot of deen can be used more widely. "Instead of being afraid of rotting, it is better to become useful knowledge. "We hope that the Faculty of Adab can facilitate a special space to store and manage his books so that they can become charity," he added.

This event was attended by FAH lecturers, who also conveyed their deep impressions about Prof. Dien., Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, S.Ag., SS, M.Hum revealed that the deceased was an elderly figure who continued to teach even though he should have entered retirement. Meanwhile, Prof. M. Suparta remembers him as a competent and sociable person. "He has many friends, both at UIN and outside UIN. "Hopefully the deceased will be in a state of husnul khatimah, his sins will be forgiven, and his deeds will be accepted," he said.

As an academic, Prof. Dien is known to have a high dedication to teaching and research. Dr. Abdul Chair said that the deceased played a major role in introducing the History of Islamic Civilization Study Program (SPI) to the wider academic realm, thanks to his activeness in various historical seminars. "I have known him since 1974. "He was a friendly figure who was always willing to share knowledge with his students and juniors," he recalled.

Meanwhile, Prof. Amelia Fauzia, who used to be his student, became his colleague remembering how Prof. Dien still attends various academic events even though he should have retired. "He is patient in guiding students who have difficulty writing and always tries to help them understand. His commitment is extraordinary," he said.

Prof. Sukron Kamil also highlighted how persistent Prof. Dien in the academic world. "Even when he was sick, he was still present to test students. "His work is numerous and really colors historical literature, especially about the Hajj in the Dutch East Indies era," he said. According to him, for Prof. Dien, writing is not just about royalties, but is part of charity.

Apart from that, Prof. Wahid Hasyim and Dr. Johan Wahyudi agreed that Prof. Dien is a very dedicated figure in the academic world, especially in research and teaching. Dr. Awalia Rahma, who once worked in the room next to him, remembers the deceased as someone who was always serious about discussing history, but also had a humorous side that made the atmosphere lighter.

Prof.'s departure. Dr. Muhammad Dien Madjid left deep sorrow for his family, colleagues and students who had learned from him. However, his intellectual legacy and dedication to the academic world will continue to live on through his works, thoughts, and the generations he guides. As a historian and educator, he has made an impending trail, inspiring many people to continue seeking knowledge and devoting themselves to goodness. Goodbye, Prof. Dien, your knowledge and example will always be remembered.

Author: Rahmat Mubaroq