Yogyakarta, 10 September 2025 — The Maulid Nabi study session held at Musholla Al-Ikhsan, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) featured Prof. Dr. drg. Ahmad Syaify, Sp.Perio., Subsp.R.P.I (K), FISID as the speaker. Chair of the Islamic Communication Forum (FKI) FKG UGM, drg. Mohammad Fadyl Yunizar, MPH., Ph.D., stated that the session was held after the noon congregational prayer to reach more participants and to strengthen academic and spiritual bonds within the faculty community. Meanwhile, Dean of FKG UGM, Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation: “I am grateful for the successful organization of this event, and I hope similar programs can continue consistently,” he said.
The Prophet’s Example in Daily Life
In his session, Prof. Ahmad Syaify shared stories of the Prophet Muhammad’s exemplary character—patience in the face of insults, kindness toward adversaries, and compassion for the needy. One notable story highlighted was how the Prophet continued to feed a blind beggar who repeatedly criticized him—an ethical message relevant for students facing academic and social pressure.
Four Key Characteristics of the Prophet and Their Relevance
Prof. Ahmad emphasized four core qualities of the Prophet ﷺ as guidance in academic life:
- Shiddiq (truthfulness) – foundation of academic integrity.
- Amanah (trustworthiness) – responsibility in study and research.
- Tabligh (communication) – competence in collaboration and sharing knowledge.
- Fathanah (wisdom/intelligence) – visionary thinking and resilience in academic challenges.
These qualities form an ethical framework to develop students who are not only intellectually capable but also morally strong.
Contemporary Academic Challenges
He addressed moral decline and rising individualism in modern society. Campuses often emphasize cognitive achievements while overlooking ethics and mental well-being. True education, he emphasized, must balance intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development—values exemplified by the Prophet.
Toward the end, he reflected on the butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) simple, yet consistently beneficial. This symbol reminds students that goodness lies in steady contribution, not grandeur.
The study session reinforced the importance of reviving the Prophet’s exemplary character ( uswatun hasanah ) in modern academic life as a solution to moral and mental challenges, contributing meaningfully to national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Relevance to SDGs
The exemplary character (uswatun hasanah) of the Prophet Muhammad is strongly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education – developing students with strong character.
- SDG 16: Peace and Justice – strengthening academic integrity and governance.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – supporting mental health and social harmony.
Contributor: Dody Hendro Wibowo | Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti, Andri Wicaksono
