Introduction to the Tradition of Rifa’iyyah

The city of Pekalongan recently witnessed a strong commitment from the proponents of the Rifa’iyyah intellectual tradition to preserve the authenticity of the intellectual legacy of the great Islamic scholar, KH. Ahmad Rifa’i. On Saturday, August 1, 2026, a special forum titled "Guided Reading of the Book Ri’ayatal Himmah" was held with great solemnity. This event was more than a routine gathering to read classical texts; it was a systematic effort to ensure that every phrase, punctuation mark, and interpretation of the book was conveyed in accordance with the scholarly lineage that directly connects to its author, KH. Ahmad Rifa’i.

The Importance of Sanad in the Pesantren Tradition

In the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) tradition, sanad (scholarly lineage) is the backbone of knowledge. Without a clear sanad, religious understanding is susceptible to distortion. This awareness underpinned the organization of the guided reading in Pekalongan. The event was led by a figure of deep scholarly authority, Romo Yai Imbuh Jumali from Temanggung, who is also a member of the Syuro Council of the Rifa’iyyah Central Leadership. His presence lent strong legitimacy, given his role as a recognized link in the sanad within the Rifa’iyyah organization.

Methodology of the Guided Reading

The learning method employed in this guidance was meticulous. Participants were not only required to read the text fluently but were also taught how to place dots, commas, and intonations correctly according to the traditional reading rules passed down through generations. The precision in reading is considered crucial because changing a single punctuation mark in a classical text can alter the essence of the meaning intended by the author.

Interactive Environment

The forum was characterized by an interactive atmosphere. The majority of the participants, who were young asatidz (teachers), were given the freedom to dissect the text. If there were complex phrases or discussions that required deeper explanation, the forum transformed into a lively discussion room. Romo Yai Imbuh Jumali patiently unpacked the meaning or murad of each chapter, ensuring that no doubts remained in the minds of the participants.

Objectives and Plans

KH. Muhdhor Hasbi, the event’s organizer and representative of the Rifa’iyyah Young Generation Communication Forum (FUKKAR), explained that the program was designed with a measurable timeline. The plan is to complete the reading of the book "Ri’ayatal Himmah" in five intensive sessions. "Our goal is not just to finish the pages of the book, but to ensure that each participant receives a sanad certificate. This certificate is a moral responsibility and proof that the knowledge they learn is directly connected to KH. Ahmad Rifa’i," said KH. Muhdhor Hasbi.

The Significance of Sanad Certification

The issuance of sanad certificates is a significant attraction and an important instrument for young asatidz. In an era of information disruption, where many people feel sufficient to learn religion only through the internet without guidance, the tradition of taking sanad through face-to-face mentoring becomes the last bastion of safeguarding Islamic teachings that are mutabar (acceptable). For participants, the certificate is an honor and a trust to teach the knowledge correctly to students and the community in their respective areas.

Positive Indicator for Rifa’iyyah’s Future

The dominance of young asatidz in this activity is a positive indicator for the future of the Rifa’iyyah organization. They are not only the next generation administratively but also intellectually. By mastering the books of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i in a scholarly lineage, these young asatidz are expected to be at the forefront of nurturing the Rifa’iyyah intellectual narrative so that it is not eroded by modernization that often neglects historical roots and classical literacy.

The Book Ri’ayatal Himmah

The book "Ri’ayatal Himmah" is known as one of the important works containing moral messages, tauhid (the oneness of God), and fiqh (jurisprudence) that are characteristic of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i’s thought. Studying this book in depth means revisiting the revolutionary thoughts of the scholar who was known in his time as a fierce fighter against injustice through literacy. Therefore, this guidance activity also serves as a historical literacy space that strengthens the identity of Rifa’iyyah followers.

Community-Based Education Model

The effort made by FUKKAR and Rifa’iyyah activists in Pekalongan is worthy of appreciation as a model of community-based education. Amidst the challenges of formal education that sometimes distance students from classical texts, this initiative brings young generations back to their intellectual roots. The success of this program is expected to trigger the emergence of similar forums in other regions, so that the scholarly lineage of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i remains pure until the end of time.

Conclusion

The activity underscores that the Rifa’iyyah tradition is not just a collection of rituals, but an ecosystem of knowledge that highly values teachers, scholarly lineage, and the depth of meaning. With this guidance, it is hoped that young asatidz will not only be cognitively intelligent but also possess spiritual depth connected to the blessings of the prayers and knowledge of their predecessors. The continuity of the scholarly lineage is a promise to keep the dignity of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i’s teachings alive, relevant, and authentic in modern society.

The enthusiasm shown by the participants in Pekalongan proves that KH. Ahmad Rifa’i’s legacy is still deeply loved and studied. With structured, interactive, and scholarly guided reading, this intellectual legacy is ensured to be passed down to the next generation with preserved accuracy, thereby strengthening the existence of Rifa’iyyah as an important pillar in the treasury of Islamic knowledge in the archipelago.

In conclusion, the "Guided Reading of the Book Ri’ayatal Himmah" event in Pekalongan stands as a beacon of commitment to preserving the authentic teachings of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i. Through its meticulous approach to understanding classical texts, emphasis on scholarly lineage, and interactive learning environment, this initiative not only honors the legacy of a great Islamic scholar but also ensures the continuity of valuable knowledge for generations to come. As the world navigates the complexities of modernization and the dissemination of information, events like these remind us of the importance of grounding our understanding of religion and culture in traditional knowledge systems, while also adapting to the needs of contemporary society.