A Celebration of Unity and Reconciliation
In a vibrant display of unity and togetherness, Hasanuddin University (Unhas) hosted its annual Halal bi Halal event on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The gathering, held at the prestigious Unhas Hotel and Convention in Tamalanrea Campus, marked the first working day after Eid al-Fitr holidays. More than just a tradition, this event served as a powerful platform for strengthening bonds across the entire academic community while renewing commitments to shared goals and institutional excellence.
Distinguished Gathering of Academic and Community Leaders
The event brought together the university’s most prominent figures, led by Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc. The distinguished assembly included:
- The complete leadership team of vice rectors
- All faculty deans and department directors
- Heads of various university bureaus and units
Beyond the academic circle, the occasion was honored by special guests representing South Sulawesi’s key institutions:
- Leadership from legal enforcement agencies
- Regional military command representatives
- Local government officials including the Mayor of Makassar
- Banking partners and prominent alumni association members
Spiritual Foundation of the Event
Opening with Divine Blessings
The program commenced on a spiritual note with a soulful Quranic recitation by Nurhidayah, an Agricultural Faculty student who had earned distinction as champion of Unhas’ 2025 Qur’an Recitation Competition. The sacred verses filled the convention hall, setting a contemplative tone for the gathering.
Ustadz Fadlan Ahmad, S.S., M.Si., MA then led the congregation in heartfelt prayers, his voice guiding attendees in seeking blessings for their collective endeavors. This spiritual foundation created an atmosphere of humility and shared purpose among all participants.
Inspirational Messages for Institutional Advancement
Rector’s Vision for Collaborative Excellence
Rector Prof. JJ delivered a stirring address that framed the gathering as more than ritual. “This beautiful convergence reminds us that our institutional strength flows from our unity,” he proclaimed. His speech artfully connected traditional values with modern challenges, urging attendees to:
- Approach the new working period with purified intentions
- Foster deeper collaboration across all university units
- Embrace innovation in teaching and research
- Expand international academic partnerships
The rector’s emphasis on maintaining Unhas’ competitive edge in global academia resonated particularly strongly with faculty members and researchers in attendance.
Wisdom for Workplace Harmony
The religious segment featured an enlightening sermon by Ustadz Dr. H. Das’ad Latif, who explored Islamic teachings on maintaining brotherhood in professional settings. With remarkable relevance to academic life, he addressed:
- The corrosive effects of arrogance and envy in workplace relationships
- The healing power of forgiveness in institutional dynamics
- The role of charity in building compassionate academic communities
His practical guidance on balancing professional ambition with interpersonal harmony provided attendees with actionable insights for their daily work interactions.
Culmination in Warm Fellowship
As the clock approached noon, the formal program transitioned into an extended session of warm fellowship. The convention hall buzzed with:
- Colleagues reconnecting after the holiday break
- Cross-departmental exchanges of ideas
- Intergenerational mentoring moments between senior and junior faculty
The sea of smiling faces and heartfelt conversations stood as visible proof of the gathering’s success in achieving its mission of relationship-building.
Beyond Tradition: A Catalyst for Institutional Growth
This year’s Halal bi Halal transcended its traditional role as a post-Eid formality. It emerged as:
✔ A reinforcement of Unhas’ core values
✔ A bridge between cultural heritage and modern academia
✔ A strategic tool for organizational development
Participants departed at 12:00 PM WITA carrying more than just the memory of a pleasant gathering. They left spiritually refreshed and professionally reinvigorated, equipped with stronger relationships and clearer shared vision to propel Unhas toward greater achievements in the coming academic year.
