South Tangerang, FAH News Online - The Islamic History and Civilisation Study Programme (SPI) of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held Up Grading 2025 with the theme "Becoming Muslim Historians: Tough Intellectuals, Moral, and Ready to Welcome Civilisation." The first day of activities, Monday (8/9/2025), took place in the 5th floor Theatre Room with a series of sessions that strengthen the identity, morals, and self-balance of SPI students.

The event was opened solemnly through the recitation of divine words by Muhammad Agis Alfian, followed by singing Indonesia Raya and UIN Hymn led by Alyaa Jahraa Iskandar. Remarks were delivered by the Head of SPI, Dr Zakiya Darajat, M.A, who emphasised the importance of Up Grading as a momentum to build student character. Furthermore, Prof. Usep Abdul Matin, M.A, Ph.D, as Vice Dean III of FAH, officially opened the activity as well as giving directions to new SPI students.

First Day Material Session

The first material was delivered by Dr. Faizal Arifin, M.Hum with the theme "Proud to be a Muslim Historian." He invited students to see the profession of historian as not just an academic activity, but an intellectual vocation that contributes to civilization. According to him, Muslim historians have an important role in preserving the heritage of knowledge, criticising the dominant historical discourse, and strengthening the identity of Islam in the current globalisation.

The second session was continued by Dr Hj Tati Hartimah, M.A with the topic "Development of Akhlaq and Character of Muslim Students." In her presentation, she emphasised that students must be role models, not only in academic achievement, but also in their daily attitudes. Behaviour, discipline, and social responsibility are seen as the foundations that sustain intellectual success. He also emphasised the importance of building a balance between knowledge and morality.

After the lunch break, the atmosphere was made fresher with an ice breaking session before entering the third material. Dr Fuad Jabali, M.A, presented the theme "Ciputat as the Center of Excellence of Indonesian Islamic Science." He described how Ciputat, as the centre of Islamic intellectual struggle, gave birth to national figures and great ideas that gave colour to Islamic thought in Indonesia. Students are invited to foster a sense of pride and responsibility to be part of Ciputat's intellectual tradition.

The first day was closed with material that was down to earth and close to the reality of students, namely "Maintaining Mental Health in the Middle of a Busy World" by Elisa Kurnia Dewi, M.Psy. She explained the challenges of mental health in the midst of busy academic and organisational activities, and provided simple strategies to manage stress, maintain life balance, and build healthy communication between peers.

Affirming the Identity of Muslim Historians

The series of sessions on the first day became an important foundation in character building for SPI students. They were not only introduced to the pride of the Muslim historian profession, but also equipped with an understanding of the importance of morals, historical awareness of Ciputat as a centre of knowledge, and balanced mental health.

With this provision, students are expected to be able to establish themselves as Muslim historians who are strong, characterful, and ready to play an active role in building civilisation.

Written by: Muhammad Suyuthi Alkautsar

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