“SALAM” to Deepen the Understanding of Islamic Practices and Values

Thursday October 10th 2024

On 10-11 November 2023, grade 6 students of Al Azhar 55 Primary School Yogyakarta attended a unique and enlightening journey at Glamping Asram Edupark. The event, known as “SALAM” or Pesantren Alam, was a sleepover that not only brought the students together but also provided them with activities that are essential to Islamic practices and teachings.

One of the highlights of the event was the practice of manasik Hajj, where students practiced the pilgrimage to Mecca. A miniature of the Ka’ba, Hijir Ismail, and three pillars for throwing Jumroh were set up, providing a realistic experience of the Hajj rituals. Despite the scorching heat, the students showed enthusiasm and dedication, truly embodying the spirit of Hajj.

Another significant activity was the practice of bathing and shrouding a corpse. Led by teachers, the students learned the proper Islamic way of preparing a deceased person for burial. Using a torso model, the students practiced the steps involved, showing a mix of curiosity and respect for the solemn task.

The event also included a dakwa session about loving Prophet Muhammad, highlighting the importance of love and respect for the Prophet in Islamic teachings. Additionally, the students woke up at three in the morning to perform Tahajud prayer, showcasing their commitment to their faith.

Throughout the event, the students were not only engaged in learning but also in team-building activities. Games related to Islamic studies and Qur’an memorization were played, promoting a sense of camaraderie among the students.

“SALAM” had a profound impact on the students, providing them with a holistic experience that combined spiritual growth with practical learning. By participating in the activities, the students gained a deeper understanding of Islamic practices and values, preparing them for future endeavors such as the actual Hajj pilgrimage and caring for the deceased in accordance with Islamic teachings.

(Mr Ilham)

Testimony

Prof. Dra. Hj. Suwarsih Madya, M.A., Ph.D.

Amidst the globalized situation which poses challenges of which one is a possible threat to identity, yet provides ample opportunities to excel for those who possess the prerequisites, we need to equip our children as the continuing generation with necessary competencies—affective, cognitive, psychomotor and interactive. In other words, we need to help them grow and develop into total persons and this can be achieved through the whole-child development approach which ensures the development of all potentials. In addition to this is the need for developing some competence which enables the children to communicate globally. All of this will ensure that the children will develop their citizenships both at the national and global levels. How can this ideal development be realized?

If you want to find out about how efforts are made to develop children’s whole potentials, you can come to SD Islam Al Azhar 55 Yogyakarta. Here you can see how the four-year old school has grown fast due to the stakeholders’ trust to send their children to study here. With only 54 children in the first year, this school now has 185 students. These students are educated to respect and preserve the social-cultural environment by learning the local language (Javanese, including the script) and arts (dance). Simultaneously, they certainly learn the national language (Bahasa Indonesia) and national content, which is unquestionable since it is compulsory, and English, which has now become a global lingua franca; thus, a prerequisite for successful global communication. More importantly, children in this school also learn to practise their religion consistently. So, in this school children’s identity is rooted in the local culture, with nationalism and global awareness being inherently developed together with reliogiosity.

Does the whole-child development approach at SD Islam Al Azhar still give room for children to excel? In my belief, when all their potentials are developed, children will have a greater chance to excel and I can see the truth in my belief in this primary school. In the last two years, the students have made great achievements in various competitions held at the local and national levels–gold medals in English, math and science competitions (national), silver and bronze medals in IT competitions (national), silver and bronze medals at colouring and swimming competitions (local) to mention some.

In conclusion, SD Islam Al Azhar has given evidence of the right efforts of true education to develop both intelligence and character.

Prof. DR. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr. Sc.

Testimoni Sebagai Orang tua menyekolahkan anak Di Al-Azhar 55

Sudah menjadi kewajiban bagi orang tua untuk memberikan pendidikan yang terbaik bagi putra putrinya. Tantangan untuk mendidik anak di Era Global dan Digital pun semakin besar, kita tidak bisa lagi membendung segala perubahan yang begitu cepat terjadi, dan harus mempersiapkan anak-anak supaya bisa survive dan sholeh/sholehah tentunya. Saat ini dunia bagaikan kampung, dimana tidak ada batas-batas untuk melakukan transaksi kehidupan, untuk itu anak harus bisa berkomunikasi dengan bahasa universal sebagai modal utama. Disamping itu, pendidikah Ahlak dan Aqidah harus diberikan secara dini sebagai dasar anak dalam menghadapi gejolak gelombang kehidupan. Atas pertimbangan tersebutlah, kami selaku orang tua memilih untuk menyekolahkan putra kami tercinta Hikari di Sekolah Islam, yang menggunakan dua bahasa pengantar, yaitu Al-Azhar 55.

Prof. DR. Budi S.Daryono, M.Agr. Sc.