SEMARANG – The Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FIPP) at Semarang State University (UNNES), Prof. Dr. Edy Purwanto, M.Sc., offered a unique perspective on interpreting the results of Ramadan worship. In the morning assembly held on Monday, March 30, 2026, he likened a person who successfully attains the essence of Laylat al-Qadr to a satellite orbiting autonomously.
“It’s exactly like a satellite that’s already orbiting in space. It no longer needs a control device; it’s already performing its duties autonomously, and it’s guaranteed to only do good,” said Prof. Edy to the lecturers and educational staff.
According to this educational psychology expert, a person’s spiritual success no longer requires external control once they have reached the point of “orbit.” Like a satellite that scans, photographs, and provides information according to its program, a person with the mentality of Laylat al-Qadr will be vigilant and will only do what God desires.
Proven Victory
Edy also invited the academic community to reflect on the meaning of the victory of Eid al-Fitr. He emphasized that fasting is a process of managing negative energy from desires into positive energy through awareness of God’s presence.
“The question is, is it true that everyone who has fasted has won and deserves to celebrate a victory feast?” he asked. For Prof. Edy, true winners are those who are able to manage their inner urge to do good after a full month of training their inner psychology.
The Burden of Revenge and Mental Health
Beyond the spiritual aspect, Prof. Edy highlighted the importance of forgiveness from a mental health perspective. He warned that holding onto a grudge is self-defeating because it drains an enormous amount of energy.
“Nurturing a grudge requires energy and is detrimental to us. Many illnesses arise from holding onto a grudge,” he emphasized. He added that numerous studies have shown that forgiveness plays a vital role in mental health. “This person’s insolence, making mistakes I will never forgive, drains tremendous energy, negative energy, and we lose our strength.”
Halal Bihalal Agenda
This message served as an introduction to the series of Halal Bihalal (HBH) activities at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FIPP) UNNES, which will be held on April 1st. The event is planned to feature the grandson of the great cleric Kyai Sholeh Darat—a figure known as the teacher of RA Kartini.
At the end of his remarks, Edy encouraged improved performance in the coming months, particularly in three areas: academic contributions, responsibility for educating students, and social, humanitarian, and spiritual duties. “I want us all to improve our performance. Hopefully, I, including myself, have something to contribute to UNNES,” he concluded.
