Planting the Seeds of Civilization Through Integrated Guidance at MI Al Zaytun
INDRAMAYU-JAYANEWS.COM – Saturday morning, May 16, 2026, the atmosphere in the basement of Ali Bin Abi Thalib Ma’had Al Zaytun felt different. Hundreds of sixth-grade students from the 28th class of MI sat neatly in the room. They came not merely to attend a ceremonial activity, but to embark on an inner journey: integrated guidance towards a new phase of their educational lives.
A total of 194 students attended the event, consisting of 105 male and 89 female students. Among them were 18 students from MI Sekolah Kita Cibanoang, consisting of 8 male and 10 female students. Their young faces radiated hope, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the future.
The event opened with a sense of nationalism and the spirit of Islamic boarding school. The song “Build Your Youth and Young Men” echoed throughout the hall, followed by the Al-Zaytun March, the Polytechnic March, and the Hymn, led with deep emotion by conductor Eka Putri Nurhandayani. These songs served as a reminder that education is not just about academic intelligence, but also about building a sense of nationalism and civilization.
The atmosphere then turned solemn as the Asmaul Husna and Asmaun Nabi were recited together. The conductor was Excell Maura Ardanish bin Supriyatna from Sekolah Kita Cibanoang. From the lips of the young students, these noble names flowed softly, bringing calm amidst the dynamics of an ever-changing era.
The Chair of the Teachers’ Council, Drs. Purnomo, M.Pd., began his remarks with a sincere prayer for the health of Sheikh, Umi, and the entire pesantren family. He also invited all participants to pray for those who were ill. In this empathetic atmosphere, education seemed to exist not only as a process of transferring knowledge, but also as a space for cultivating caring and compassion for others.
“Today’s core topic is faith and morals,” he said briefly but meaningfully.
This statement then found expression in Hafidz Al Barzah, S.Pd., M.Pd.’s presentation. With optimism, he invited the students to contemplate the future of Golden Indonesia 2045. Addressing the young generation, he described Indonesia with all its immense potential, but also the challenges it would face: social change, technological advancement, and the moral challenges of modern humans.
For Hafidz, the nation’s future cannot be built solely by intelligence. Indonesia needs individuals with strong character, emotional maturity, and spiritual strength.
This understanding deepened when Iqbal Maulana, S.Pd., delivered the next topic, discussing the application of qiraat (religious teachings) in contemporary boarding school education, in line with the vision and mission of Ma’had Al Zaytun.
He used the philosophy of a tree to explain the journey of faith and the development of a student.
According to him, faith begins with a seed. The seed symbolizes the condition of a child who does not yet understand himself, recognize his potential, and know his purpose in life. However, when the seed begins to grow into a sprout, a student begins to understand himself, understand his feelings, and realize that he has unique qualities that others do not possess.
As the roots grow stronger, the student learns to accept himself as he is. They begin to appreciate their strengths and understand that every human being has different potential. Not everyone has to be the same to be valuable.
Next, the tree grows. At this stage, the student begins to dare to try, believes in his own abilities, and has a desire to continue learning and developing.
As the tree grows stronger, the student is seen as beginning to be able to manage himself, learn responsibility, solve problems independently, and consistently practice discipline.
And finally, the tree bears fruit.
This fruit is interpreted as a person who understands himself, knows his purpose in life, has values and principles, and is able to benefit and inspire others.
This simple philosophy touches many hearts. Because in a world that often measures people by numbers and achievements, the students were encouraged to understand that true human growth begins with self-awareness and good morals.
The next topic discussed the characteristics of contemporary education from the perspective of the Prophet Muhammad’s morals, particularly in building a healthy, intelligent, and humane society. This idea was further reinforced by Khairul Amri, S.Pd., who explained the implementation of contemporary education based on the core values of Pancasila.
In his presentation, education was viewed not only as a path to personal success, but also as an effort to build a society that is just, socially healthy, intellectually intelligent, and humane in its treatment of others.
Toward the end of the event, the atmosphere turned emotional. Awards were given to the integrated guidance participants and the students who had achieved their goals add Juz 30. One by one the names were called, greeted by warm applause and full of pride.
The most touching moment came when a documentary video of the journey of class VI MI students was shown. Laughter, togetherness, learning struggles, and even their childhood memories play on the big screen. Many eyes started to fill with tears.
The song Service Teacher is then sung together. A simple song suddenly felt very meaningful in that room.
The event ended with a rolling procession by the Chair of the Teachers’ Council, Drs. Purnomo, M.Pd., as a symbol of the closing of the coaching period as well as the opening of a new journey gate for the students.
In that basement, education seems to be more than just classrooms and textbooks. It is the process of planting the seeds of civilization: growing people who know themselves, understand their God, love their nation, and are ready to benefit others.
And perhaps, from the small students who sat simply that morning, Indonesia was preparing its future.**
Ali Aminulloh
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