Observing Manaqiban Tradition and Various Religious Activities in IPMAFA

In Pati Regency, Central Java, there is an Islamic university called Institut Pesantren Mathaliul Falah (IPMAFA) which has three important characters in its education system, namely: learning based on pesantren values, research and entrepreneurship. Religious values and traditions are used as daily behavior in the IPMAFA environment so that a balance is created between campus academic education and religious practices that become habits. This is what makes the Ipmafa campus has more value that its graduate students automatically become a santri who is equipped with pesantren education as well as understanding ahlussunah wal jamaah. In more detail, the following religious activities are commonly found in the IPMAFA Pati campus environment:

Khataman Al-Quran

Khataman Al-Quran is one of the routine and very frequently carried out activities on the IPMAFA campus, both for the students, employees and lecturers. This Khataman has been done since the year the IPMAFA campus was founded and can be done by binnadhar (reading the Koran by opening a mushaf) or bil ghoib (memorization). Apart from its aim of obtaining rewards, this tradition is seen as important as a means so that prayers and desires can be granted. Al-Quran recitation activities at the student level are also accommodated in a student organization called Jam'iyyah Qurro' wal Huffadz (UKM JQH). JQH UKM is active in activities in the fields of khataman, Al-Quran studies, tambourines, MTQ calligraphy and so on.

Manaqiban

Manaqiban is an activity of reading the book of manaqib which has become a tradition on the IPMAFA campus and is also common among Islamic boarding schools and the NU community. Manaqib is a historical book that tells about the piety of the famous saint of Allah named Shaikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani. Reading this is believed to have many benefits and blessings. Apart from emulating the behavior and good deeds of Shaikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani, owner of the title Raja Wali, reciting manaqib also includes wasilah (means) to make it easier for someone to have their prayers answered. It is almost certain that every time there is a certain activity, whether the campus is celebrating a particular purpose or when it is experiencing something exciting, the campus carries out manaqiban as a form of gratitude. The organizers (sohibul hajat) are not only from the IPMAFA campus or by a special committee when there are campus-related activities, but can be individuals from lecturers or employees who have personal wishes. Activities that are usually carried out by manaqiban include: giving thanks for having their prayers answered, getting additional good fortune, having carried out a campus activity, wanting to prepare new students, preparing for accreditation, opening campus programs or activities, and many other activities. On average, it can be said that manaqiban activities on the IPMAFA campus can occur almost every month with different purposes.

Nariyahan

The nariyahan tradition is a tradition of reciting nariyah prayers which is carried out in congregation/groups followed by all lecturers, staff and students of IPMAFA. Shalawat nariyah itself is a prayer reading which contains prayers and praise to the Prophet Muhammad SAW and is believed to have great wisdom for those who read it and the desired wishes. In Islamic teachings itself, it is mutually agreed that as a form of love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW, Muslims are encouraged to recite shalawat in their lives. On the other hand, Rasulullah SAW will intercede for those who pray to him the most. The reading of shalawat nariyah varies in terms of quantity. On the IPMAFA campus, it is usually held 4,444 times in each event and is held 7 times.

Commemoration of Santri Day

IPMAFA students routinely commemorate the santri day which falls on October 22. Usually participants consisting of students and lecturers specifically wear typical Indonesian pesantren clothing, namely gloved and white clothes and black caps and white headscarves for female students. This is just to further remind and instill the culture and characteristics of Indonesian students from long ago.

Istighatsah

Istighatsah is a recitation of certain wirid (awrad) and shalawat that is done to ask Allah SWT for help for some very important things or serious problems. Istighatsah is certainly widely known and commonly practiced in the Nahdliyyin / NU community. Istighatsah is part of human efforts to ask Allah SWT for help so that their wishes are granted. One of the istighatsah activities at IPMAFA is the reading of shalawat bahriyah kubra which is believed to have wisdom and benefits when read. The reading is done 11 times in congregation. 

In addition to the activities above, there are many more traditions that are preserved in the IPMAFA campus environment with pesantren values and religious nuances in it. These activities include reciting the Qur'an at the start of class, making pilgrimages to the graves of guardians, providing compensation and alms to the poor and orphans, ijazahan amaliyah and other religious activities which are mostly carried out at the IPMAFA pesantren, namely Mahad Jamiah Mathaliul Falah, which is located behind the campus building.