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Jun 19, 20261
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Friday Sermon Marks Islamic New Year as Opportunity for Self-Reflection
The Nahdlatul Ulama's Preaching Institute of Central Java has issued a Friday sermon marking the Islamic New Year (Muharram), calling it an opportunity for Muslims to engage in self-reflection, evaluate their past actions, and plan spiritual and moral improvements. The sermon emphasizes that this moment invites renewed commitment to Islamic practice and personal development.
Quick Facts
Who
Kiai Muhaimin, S.Sos.
What
Friday sermon delivered on Islamic New Year theme
When
Friday sermon delivered in week of June 19, 2026
Where
Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
- Friday sermon delivered on Islamic New Year theme
- Call for muhasabah (self-introspection) and spiritual renewal
- Emphasis on evaluating past deeds and planning future improvements
- Discussion of tasawuf (heart purification) in Islamic practice
- Kiai Muhaimin, S.Sos.
In Semarang, the Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama's Preaching Institute of Central Java (Lembaga Dakwah PWNU Jawa Tengah) has issued a Friday sermon emphasizing the Islamic New Year as a significant moment for spiritual introspection and self-improvement. The sermon, authored by Kiai Muhaimin, S.Sos., Secretary of the Kendal Preaching Institute, calls on congregants to view Muharram as a starting point for renewal of both physical and spiritual aspects of life.
According to Islamic teaching, the new year represents a time for muhasabah—a form of self-assessment where Muslims evaluate their past deeds, identify shortcomings, and plan improved actions for the coming year. The sermon emphasizes that time constantly passes and opportunities for good deeds are limited, making this transition a crucial moment to reflect on one's life journey and set a more meaningful path forward.
The sermon draws on Quranic guidance, particularly referencing Surah Yasin 68, which describes the human lifecycle and the cyclical nature of change. The message encourages Muslims to use this period to strengthen their faith and piety through obedience to divine commands while avoiding prohibitions. The Islamic concept of tasawuf, which focuses on heart purification and deepening the relationship with Allah, is presented as a framework for approaching this renewal with spiritual awareness and meaning.
The sermon concludes that the new Islamic year offers a valuable opportunity to cultivate renewed spiritual motivation, improve moral character, increase the quality of worship, and live in accordance with Islamic teachings. Rather than merely marking a change in the calendar, the sermon positions Muharram as an occasion to transform one's approach to life in pursuit of both worldly wellbeing and eternal happiness in the afterlife.
Why This Matters
This sermon reflects how Islamic religious leaders use significant calendar moments to guide community spiritual practice and personal development. For readers seeking to understand contemporary Islamic teachings and the cultural importance of religious observances, the emphasis on self-reflection and moral improvement during Muharram demonstrates how faith traditions leverage transitional periods to encourage renewal and purposeful living. The sermon's framework—combining Quranic guidance with practical concepts like muhasabah—offers insight into how Islamic doctrine translates into meaningful personal and communal practice.