Tahlilan at Al Zaytun: Immortalizing Traces of Devotion with Prayer
By: Ali Aminulloh
INDRAMAYU-JAYANEWS.COM – That night, thousands of hands were raised. Amidst the chanting of istighfar (recitation of the Qur’an), dhikr (remembrance of God), and verses from the Quran, a profound sense of loss loomed. An educator had passed away, but the traces of his dedication were not allowed to fade with time. At Al Zaytun, loss is answered with prayer, and devotion is immortalized with sincere respect.
The passing of Ustad Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Halim, S.Sos., M.P. on June 15, 2026, brought sorrow to the Al Zaytun family. The figure who dedicated his life, energy, and time to the world of education has now returned to the Creator. However, as is the value that lives at Al Zaytun, those who have contributed are not only remembered but also honored through ongoing prayers.
The tradition of tahlilan in Indonesian Muslim communities is a form of respect for those who have passed away. It is typically held from the first to the seventh day, then continued on the 40th and 100th days. This tradition expresses love from family and relatives, as well as an effort to offer the best prayers for the deceased.
At Al Zaytun, this tradition is carried out with a unique atmosphere. The first day’s tahlilan was attended by thousands of Islamic boarding school students (santri), students, teachers, lecturers, foundation representatives, and employee representatives. The event was led by the Chairman of the Indonesian Islamic Boarding School Foundation (YPI), Datuk Sir Imam Prawoto, KRSS., MBA., CRBC.
The series of activities began after congregational Maghrib prayers. A solemn atmosphere enveloped the congregation as prayers of forgiveness and remembrance were recited together. Then, the Asmaul Husana (Asmaul Husana) were recited, followed by the complete 201 names of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as listed in the Dalail al-Khairat (The Book of the Prophets). Quranic recitations and prayers were offered as a gift for the deceased, before concluding with congregational Isha prayers.
But the reverence didn’t stop with one night of tahlilan (recitation).
At the Al Zaytun shrine, Quranic recitations echoed 24 hours a day for 40 days. The activity was divided into six sessions, each lasting four hours. In each session, three Quranic reciters were tasked with reciting the holy verses. This arrangement resulted in two Quranic recitations each day.
Strikingly, the reciter came from various elements of the Al Zaytun family. Foundation representatives, lecturers, teachers, students, and even staff took turns participating. All were present with the same spirit: to present a Quranic recitation and prayers for an education activist who had dedicated his life to the advancement of the nation’s generations.
This tradition demonstrates that reverence for a person does not end when he or she leaves this world. The dedication rendered during life becomes a legacy that will continue to be remembered and appreciated. The prayers offered are not only an expression of condolences but also a reflection of gratitude for the service rendered.
At Al Zaytun, tahlilan is more than just a religious activity. It is part of a civilizational education, teaching the importance of appreciating service, honoring devotion, and maintaining bonds of love that are not broken by death.
For indeed, a champion of education may have passed away. But the values he inherited will live on. In every prayer offered, in every verse recited, and in every generation that will carry on his great ideals.
Through tahlilan and the continuous flow of Quranic recitations, Al Zaytun immortalizes the traces of that devotion in the most noble way: unceasing prayer.**
AA/Red
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