Following the Example of Prophet Muhammad, UNU Jogja Encourages Civitas to Strengthen Love and Exemplary Values

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - August 2026 marks an important moment for both Indonesians and Muslims. In addition to commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, Muslims are also observing the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW, which falls on 12 Rabiul Awal 1448 H, or Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

For the campus in Jogja, which is directly under the Central Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), the occasion serves as an opportunity to strengthen both national and Islamic values. In addition to holding a ceremony commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) also held a Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW commemoration at the UNU Jogja campus on Monday, August 24.

The commemoration began with the recitation of Maulid Simtudduror, a work by Habib Ali bin Muhammad Husein Al-Habsyi. The recitation of maulid is a tradition closely associated with Nahdliyin communities as an expression of love for Prophet Muhammad SAW, as well as a way to remember his life and exemplary character.

In his sermon, Dewan Masyayikh of Pondok Pesantren UNU Jogja, KH. Edy Musoffa, said that the Maulid Nabi commemoration provides an important opportunity to reflect on and follow the example of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

KH. Edy then shared the story of the Prophet’s birth, including how his grandfather, Abdul Muthalib, gave him the name Muhammad. According to him, giving a good name is one of the ways parents express their prayers and hopes for their children.

“The name Muhammad was given directly by his grandfather, Abdul Muthalib. At that time, while he was near the Kaaba, Abdul Muthalib announced his grandson’s name as Muhammad. He said, ‘I want my grandson to be praised in both heaven and earth.’ From this, we can see how great Abdul Muthalib’s hopes were for his grandson,” he said.

He then connected the importance of remembering great figures with the effort to draw lessons from their struggles and exemplary values. Just as Indonesians remember the contributions of the heroes who fought to defend the nation’s independence, Muslims should also continue to remember Prophet Muhammad SAW as the ultimate example in life, he said.

According to KH. Edy, love for Prophet Muhammad SAW should not only be expressed through feelings, but also demonstrated by following his character and way of life. He also encouraged the UNU Jogja civitas to recite more shalawat as an expression of love and a way to continuously remember the Prophet.

“The instrument for loving Allah is prayer, the instrument for loving Prophet Muhammad is shalawat, and the instrument for maintaining good relationships with others is maintaining silaturahmi,” he explained.

He noted that many of the problems facing society today are partly related to the declining role of the Prophet’s exemplary values in the lives of younger generations. Therefore, the values exemplified by Prophet Muhammad SAW need to continue to be practiced in everyday life, including within educational institutions.

In closing, KH. Edy encouraged the UNU Jogja civitas to make Prophet Muhammad SAW a role model and a reflection for their daily activities, whether in worship, building relationships with others, or carrying out their responsibilities as members of society.

“The example of Prophet Muhammad SAW can serve as a reflection for us in our daily lives, whatever activities we engage in. In doing so, God willing, we can attain blessings and success,” he concluded before the UNU Jogja civitas.*

Reporter : Latifah