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As the year changes, with all the experiences I have been through. I used to reflect on the journey I have been on to consider how to make the next chapter getting better. This is a moment to contemplate, evaluate, and learn from the past year’s experiences.
Since I didn’t do it last year in 2021, time feels flown so quickly since the COVID-19 outbreaks. You shut your eyes, doing quarantine, wake up and poof! Three years passed, and it felt like it had never happened this quick.
My personal blog does not show any updates this year. But I have noticed some progress in my writing since starting this minor habit. The feelings, wisdom, and knowledge I have gained are reflected in how I write and how my writing has evolved. It has been a valuable opportunity to learn and grow.
DEGREE COMPLETION
I graduated from the International Islamic University Islamabad in the early summer of 2021, marking the end of my five-year journey to complete my BA LLB degree.
Throughout my time at the university, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from students and classmates from diverse backgrounds worldwide. One aspect of Pakistani culture that particularly stood out to me was the hospitality of its people. The way they treated the guest was incredible and definitely would make me come back someday.
I am surely thankful enough to the Professors, Prof. Ata Ullah Faizi, Dr. Abdul Karim Usman, Dr. Qasim Ashraf, Dr. Ikram Ullah, all the teachers, faculty coordinator, and academic members who help our educational journey. And, of course, our beloved Azhari teachers, Dr. Abdul Aziz Khidr, Dr. Ibrahim Sa’ad, and many more, whom I could not mention all of them one by one, which by any chance sincerely teach us wholeheartedly.
One thing that I remember the most was the remarks from the vice President of the University, Prof. Ayaz Afsar, when we were at my graduation ceremony. He delivered the message that this graduation ceremony marks the end of our degree completion but not our learning journey. The concept of lifetime learning was emphasized, reminding us that our learning process is ongoing. And that we should continue to seek out opportunities to grow.
With the completion of my degree, my academic journey in Pakistan is over. The exams and assignments that seemed never-ending at the time are currently behind me, and it is time to open the next door to step further.
MUKTAMAR
The Nahdhatul Ulama (NU), one of Indonesia’s most prominent Islamic organizations, held its 34th Muktamar in December 2021 in Lampung, Indonesia. As the highest congress of the organization, which takes place every five years, it was a great honor for me to be able to participate and represent the Special Branch of NU (PCINU) Pakistan.
The agenda was opened by the President of Indonesia, Mr. Joko Widodo. During the event, I had the opportunity to meet various colleagues from overseas PCINU branches and prominent Muslim religious leaders in Indonesia, including KH Said Aqil Siradj, Prof. Muhammad Nuh, Prof. Nadirsyah Hosen, an Indonesian academic currently serving as a Professor at Monash University, KH Marzuqi Mustamar, and many others.
This moment was particularly memorable for me as it may be some time before I am able to attend a similar event again.
FAMILY TIME
Five years is a long time to be away from family while studying abroad. It has been a long journey since I last saw my parents and family in 2019. I could finally spend Eid al-Fitr with my complete family this year.
Spending five years abroad studying while being separated from my family was a challenging experience. It has been a long journey since I last saw my parents and family in 2019. However, I was able to reunite with them for Eid al-Fitr this year, it was a huge relief and a great feeling to be reunited.
In June 2022, I officially got engaged. The long journey that we have been through comes to light. And I hope this step will bring us and our families closer together as we become a new family soon.
ASSALAM
Back in 1991, Assalam Islamic Boarding School was established in Kutai Barat. It is a remote area and Muslim-minority district in the middle of Borneo Island, Indonesia. I grew up here until age 12, then completed high school in an Islamic boarding school in Java for six years.
On January 2022, I returned home after some time away, and lots lot has changed. I have learned that the textbook-knowledge sometimes differs significantly from daily practice.
Furthermore, I also learned about practical legal procedures and small business development from experienced practitioners to help the Islamic boarding school become self-sustained and able to continue its program.
Despite the challenges, I am fortunate to have met several professional consultants who are helping us in many areas, including developing an Islamic educational system and character building for students in current generations.
EPILOG
The last thing I want to say is that no matter who you are. Whether you are a student, self-employed entrepreneur, or nine-to-five working man, you are the one who knows what you should and need to do. Do what you love and love what you do. Despite the ups and downs, remember that you are always moving forward.
And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end.