Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) conducted ‘Refreshing Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah Thoughts’ for UMY staffs on 7-8 May and 11-12 May. It aimed to raise ihsan in the staffs’ action and in facing this disruptive era. Besides, after the program, the staffs can apply Islamic teachings and Muhammdiyah views.

Rector of UMY Dr. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P. stated that growing ihsan traits in life, particularly in working at UMY, will bear commitment to not only looking for money but also worship to Allah SWT because working at UMY and other institutions should have differences. “Ihsan can be created through implementing and believing the pillars of Islam and iman so that the commitment to work will exist,” declared Gunawan.

Gunawan revealed that we are now confronting a disruptive era that old social values has begun destroyed due to technology development. For instance, the overuse of social media and enormous spread of hoaxes demolish our real life. “When we gather with our family, our children are often busy playing their gadget. We can say that our children do not need parents but they need a credit balance. The disruptive era will distract the relationship of family, religion and colleagues at a workplace. We can encounter negative impacts of the era through instilling ihsan characters. Ihsan is akhlak, a trait raised because we apply the pillars of iman as foundations of aqidah and pillars of Islam as limits to behave,” he emphasized.

Gunawan added that the commitment which UMY staffs should possess is sincere loyalty to working. Working sincerely is to not only earn money but also worship. Thus, they can accomplish their duties well. Gunawan also expected that all staffs work hand in hand to develop UMY. “UMY is our home. Let us evolve this university,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, chief of the committee of the program informed that it brought a theme of ‘Re-actualizing Spiritual and Tajdid Vigor in the University Development as a Reputable University. Through the theme, the staffs enables to instill ihsan values (ihsanullah), a hope to gain love and protection from Allah SWT. “Indeed, we wish that this program could enhance their services based Islamic values,” he ended.