By: Zaenal Abidin
“Islam is a blessing for the universe, including for those who have been looked down upon because of their disabilities,” was the opening statement of the second meeting on strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities held by the Fahmina Foundation on Friday, June 20, 2025.
This event was a continuation of the previous session, focusing on the life cycle of persons with disabilities and its relationship to structural and cultural challenges.
The event was opened by Roziqoh and continued with the recitation of tawasul and the Jepara KUPI Pledge by Prof. Tutik Hamidah. In a solemn atmosphere, participants were invited to explore the idea that the struggle to defend the rights of persons with disabilities is not merely technical advocacy work, but part of a spiritual calling.
In his speech, Marzuki Rais, Chairman of the Fahmina Foundation, emphasized the importance of the involvement of religious leaders such as nyai and kiai in responding to disability issues. According to him, people with disabilities are often considered “abnormal” or even “cursed.” In fact, from an Islamic perspective, the measure of nobility is piety, not physical condition.
“As humans, we must view them as creatures of God and honor them as we would any other human being,” he said.
Fahmina, continued Marjuki, has from the beginning chosen to take a middle ground, becoming an institution that fights for social justice, even though the issues it raises are not always politically popular. This is in line with the vision of making religion a transformative force that defends the rights of marginalized groups, including people with disabilities.
After the spiritual and reflective session, the forum continued with a presentation by Nurul Saadah, a resource person who has been assisting groups of people with disabilities. She explained that the challenges faced by people with disabilities are not singular, but multi-layered: ranging from physical factors, social environment, to public policy.
Nurul mapped out various types of disabilities, namely physical, intellectual, mental, sensory, and multiple disabilities, as well as the dynamics of their life cycle from childhood to old age. She highlighted that many people with disabilities do not receive adequate support in education, employment, or public access due to overlapping social and structural barriers.
“I myself am a person with a disability who uses a cane. But I am not only hindered by my body, but also by society and systems that limit me,” she said.
The discussion became even more lively when Erik S. Rahmawati shared his personal experience as a survivor of a brain hemorrhage that changed his mental development. He stated that his life cycle appeared normal physically, but he experienced psychological delays.
Meanwhile, Halimatus, a parent of two children attending an inclusive school, shared how her experience of building empathy and warm relationships with children with disabilities had transformed her. She now manages an educational institution that accepts students with disabilities.
“Life is beautiful when we can fulfill each other’s needs,” she said softly.
These stories serve as a reminder that people with disabilities are not objects of pity. They have willpower, intelligence, and noble values. What they need is a fair, empathetic, and supportive environment. In both social and spiritual spaces, they are fully human beings. []
