On Sunday, April 13, 2025, in a heartfelt and meaningful gathering, the Ngaji Bareng Online (NBO) community held an offline meeting to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness. This event also marked NBO’s 5th Anniversary as well as the 1446 H Halalbihalal, held at the auditorium of Dian Nusantara University, West Jakarta.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Komaruddin Hidayat, the keynote speaker for the 5th Anniversary, and a former Rector of the Islamic University of Indonesia for two terms (2006–2010 and 2010–2015), conveyed that Halalbihalal is indeed a blend of religious practices and culture. According to him, religion without culture lacks a solid foundation. He elaborated that religion often intersects with culture and is influenced by local traditions, shaped by various geopolitical and social contexts.

Culture, he noted, is reflected in the characteristics of society. For instance, communal prayer (shalat berjamaah) encourages discipline and queueing among people. The fusion of Tawheed (Oneness of God) and ethics derived from the integration of religion and culture cultivates good thought patterns, attitudes, and behaviors. This, in turn, nurtures respect and reverence for others.

Analyzing the correlation between religion and culture in shaping individual character, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Komaruddin Hidayat also emphasized the importance of moral quality and social standards, as significant factors influencing both religiosity and goodness within communities. He remarked on the spiritual challenges faced by Indonesia’s youth, suggesting that while young people are often at their physical and creative peak, they may lack spiritual depth, contrary to older generations.

He advised the youth, as intellectuals, to broaden their perspective on beauty—not limiting it to what is visible to the eye. He stressed that physical, aesthetic, and spiritual beauty, viewed together, create a unified and meaningful life. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Komaruddin Hidayat further highlighted how worldly distractions often divert our focus, asserting that NBO plays a vital role in fostering young generations to not only increase their faith but also expand their horizons, enabling them to become wiser individuals who serve Allah SWT.

A similar sentiment was expressed by the head of the organizing committee for NBO's 5th Anniversary, Mr. Ir. Agustanzil Sjahroezah, MPA., and NBO’s founder, Dr. Ir. Muhammad Hasanuddin Thoyieb, MM. They reiterated Prof. Dr. Muhammad Komaruddin Hidayat’s remarks, celebrating the remarkable growth of NBO since its establishment on April 12, 2020. With Allah’s grace, NBO has developed significantly over these years.

“NBO is truly unique, as it brings us together to enhance our faith and piety through the Quran. Our teacher, Dr. Ir. Muhammad Hasanuddin Thoyieb, MM., delves deeply into the Quran from Surah Al-Fatihah to Surah An-Nas. All themes, verses, and hadiths are presented comprehensively, allowing us to deeply explore the Quran,” Mr. Ir. Agustanzil Sjahroezah explained.

He further added that NBO unites members under one community directed by Dr. Ir. Muhammad Hasanuddin Thoyieb—not only towards an individual connection with Allah (Habluminallah), but also collectively with humanity (Habluminannas). This promotes solidarity and togetherness within the NBO family.

The Halalbihalal and 5th Anniversary commenced with the “Pasar Salam” segment, which facilitated reconnections among attendees, followed by the recitation of Sholawat. To spiritually enrich the participants, Ustadz Mahfuzul Khulqi recited Surah Al-Fath (48:1-5), conveying Allah SWT’s promise of blessings and guidance towards righteousness for Prophet Muhammad SAW and the Muslim community following their victory.

The event concluded with a heartfelt prayer led by Ustadz Dr. KH. Ahsin Sakho Muhammad, hoping for health, prosperity, and opportunities for the participants to reunite at the next NBO anniversary. Ameen ya rabbal alamin.