On Wednesday (17/4/24), the Faculty of Biology UGM held the Syawalan 1444 H and Halal Bi Halal, which is annual activities carried out by the Faculty of Biology UGM every Shawwal month, this time with the theme “Self-Improvement on the Day of Eid”. The recitation took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium and was attended by all Lecturers, Education Staff, Association of Dharma Wanita Management, Retired Lecturers/Educational Staff, and Student representatives.
The event began with a recitation of the Qoran, by Zikri Ilham Putranto, a student from the Faculty of Biology. The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., opened the event with a speech. “Thank you for your presence. Let us express our gratitude for the health and opportunities that allow us to be here today. The tradition of seeking and granting forgiveness is very beneficial, as no human is free from error. We sincerely ask for forgiveness, both openly and deeply, hoping that the spiritual growth developed during Ramadan will continue beyond,” said Prof. Budi.
Next the Syawalan Pledge was delivered, guided by Abdul Razaq Chasani, M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Tropika Biology, was recited by all attendees, embodying a mutual commitment to sincere forgiveness. The pledge is a hope that this mutual forgiveness will restore our innate purity and devotion.
The main event was a religious talk by Drs. Haryanto, M.Si., Psikolog., a retired lecturer from the Faculty of Psychology UGM. In his lecture, Dr. Haryanto emphasized that life involves constant improvement. He described three groups of people: those who improve each day, those who remain the same, and those who regress. The essence of self-improvement is to strive to be better than yesterday and better tomorrow than today. He related this to the philosophy of Syawalan and the tradition of “kupat” (admitting mistakes) and “laku papat” (hastening to seek God’s forgiveness to reach heaven). Dr. Haryanto concluded his talk by highlighting three noble deeds: giving to those who do not give to us, reconnecting with those who have severed ties, and forgiving those who have wronged us, noting, “Allah greatly favors those who perform good acts.”
The lecture was followed by a prayer led by Dr. Haryanto and handshaking, symbolizing mutual forgiveness. Attendees were then invited to enjoy the refreshments provided.
This annual Syawalan and Halal Bi Halal event is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM commitment to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ending hunger, promoting good health and well-being, and fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions.