GURU SPIRITUAL-- "KHIDMAH BUKANLAH HALANGAN KULIAH"

Summary

This interview highlights the journey of Muhammad Nizar Zulmi, a university student who navigates the balance between academic studies and spiritual service (berkhidmah). He shares his early life, including his experience in pesantren (Islamic boarding school), where he learned important values of discipline, spirituality, and community service. Despite initial setbacks in his education, Nizar’s commitment to both learning and serving the community shaped his character. He emphasizes that with the right intentions, one can successfully manage both religious and academic responsibilities, underscoring the Islamic principle that ‘whoever serves, will be served.’

Takeaways

• 😀 Muhammad Nizar Zulmi is a 5th-semester student balancing both academic studies and spiritual service (berkhidmah).
• 😀 Nizar's journey began with religious education in pesantren (Islamic boarding school), which shaped his personal growth and spiritual values.
• 😀 He initially faced challenges in his early schooling, including being expelled for fighting, but found his calling in pesantren at MTS Mak Arif NU Blitar.
• 😀 Nizar was inspired to join pesantren by his desire to participate in Islamic chanting competitions (selawat), which motivated him to dedicate himself to religious education.
• 😀 Nizar emphasizes the importance of discipline, hard work, and spirituality, which he learned through his experiences in pesantren.
• 😀 He reflects on the idea that combining spiritual devotion and academic pursuit is not an obstacle but an opportunity for personal growth.
• 😀 Despite facing some challenges and pressure from his family, Nizar was encouraged to continue his studies and pursue a university degree.
• 😀 The practice of fasting, particularly during his time in pesantren, helped Nizar develop resilience and spiritual strength.
• 😀 He believes that anyone can successfully balance spiritual duties and education by managing time wisely and having clear intentions.
• 😀 Nizar concludes with a quote, 'Barang siapa yang melayani, pasti akan dilayani' ('Whoever serves, will be served'), which encapsulates his life philosophy of service and spiritual growth.

Q & A

What inspired Muhammad Nizar Zulmi to join pesantren and pursue religious activities?

Muhammad Nizar was inspired to join pesantren after seeing his older brother participate in religious activities like salawat competitions at Pondok Pesantren Hidayatul Mubtadi'in. The desire to learn and excel in these activities, particularly the salawat competitions, motivated him to pursue a religious path.

How did Nizar’s experiences in pesantren influence his personal development?

Nizar’s experiences in pesantren significantly shaped his character. He developed a strong work ethic and resilience, especially through practices like mutih (a fasting practice) and ngerowot (a 40-day spiritual fasting). These experiences taught him the value of self-discipline, hard work, and spiritual dedication.

What role did Nizar’s family play in his educational journey?

Nizar’s family played a crucial role in guiding his educational path. Although initially reluctant to continue his studies, Nizar was influenced by his family’s wishes to pursue higher education. His parents emphasized the importance of formal education, which helped Nizar reconsider his decision and eventually pursue a university degree.

How did Nizar balance his spiritual practices and academic life while at pesantren and university?

Nizar balanced his spiritual practices and academic life by managing his time effectively. He continued living in pesantren while attending university, showing that it is possible to maintain both spiritual and academic commitments through careful planning and dedication.

What did Nizar learn from his time in Pondok Pesantren Mambaul Hisan?

At Pondok Pesantren Mambaul Hisan, Nizar learned valuable life lessons about service and hard work. Despite his initial lack of interest in physical labor, he came to appreciate the importance of tasks like construction work and other manual labor, which became part of his spiritual practice and development.

What challenges did Nizar face during his time in pesantren and how did he overcome them?

One of the challenges Nizar faced was adjusting to the disciplined and rigorous life at pesantren, especially during practices like mutih and ngerowot. However, he overcame these challenges through persistence and the support of his peers, as well as his determination to grow spiritually and personally.

What is the significance of the spiritual practices Nizar undertook, such as mutih and ngerowot?

The spiritual practices, particularly mutih (a fasting practice involving consuming only white food) and ngerowot (a 40-day fasting regimen), were significant because they helped Nizar develop resilience, self-discipline, and a deeper connection to his faith. These practices were not only physically challenging but also spiritually enriching.

What message did Nizar share about pursuing education while being involved in spiritual practices?

Nizar’s message was that it is not an obstacle to pursue education while being involved in spiritual practices. With dedication, one can balance both. He encouraged students, especially those in pesantren, to pursue their studies and spiritual goals simultaneously by managing their time effectively.

How did Nizar’s perspective on education change over time?

Initially, Nizar was reluctant to continue his education after finishing pesantren, feeling that it wasn’t necessary. However, after reflecting on his responsibilities as the eldest child and receiving encouragement from his family, he decided to pursue higher education to set an example for his younger sibling and to secure his future.

What is the principle Nizar lives by, and how does it guide his actions?

Nizar lives by the principle, 'Barang siapa yang melayani, pasti akan dilayani' (Whoever serves will be served). This philosophy of service and dedication influences both his academic and spiritual pursuits. He believes that by helping others, one will ultimately receive help and blessings in return.