Tuesday, April 8, 2025 — Amid the spirit of Syawal, which brings space for forgiveness, greetings, and strengthening bonds, the board of directors of the Fahmina Foundation paid a courtesy visit to a number of founding figures who laid the intellectual foundation and direction of Fahmina’s struggle since its inception. This year’s Halal Bihalal was more than just an annual tradition: it became a pilgrimage of values, a place to refresh commitments and revive collective spirit.
The series of visits began at the residence of KH. Marzuki Wahid, MA, located at Rumah Joglo Majasem, which is also the center of the Luhur Manhaji Fahmina Islamic boarding school. Welcomed in a relaxed yet meaningful atmosphere, Kiai Marzuki shared his message about the importance of maintaining the long breath of struggle with depth of thought and perseverance in building systems. Reflections on current social and cultural challenges enriched the discussion, while reminding us of the importance of adaptive yet value-based institutional work.
The journey continued to the residence of KH. Faqihuddin Abdul Kodir, MA, in Klayan. In the warm, family-like atmosphere, Kiai Faqih welcomed the committee members with enthusiastic conversation. He emphasized the importance of consistency in accompanying the community with a friendly, fair, and soothing approach. He also shared optimism about the emergence of a new generation of justice advocates and the importance of maintaining connections among progressive Islamic networks that prioritize gender justice.
From Klayan, the group proceeded to the Kebon Jambu Al-Islamy Islamic Boarding School in Ciwaringin—a women’s boarding school known as a space for the growth of feminist thought and movement within Islamic boarding schools. Although Nyai Hj. Masriyah Amva, the head of the boarding school, was unable to attend, the group was warmly welcomed by her son, Gus Ami. In the warm atmosphere, the administrators reflected on the important role of women’s boarding schools as pioneers of change and empowerment within traditional settings.
The final visit was made to the Dar al-Fikr Islamic Boarding School in Arjawinangun, the residence of Dr. (HC) KH. Husein Muhammad. Known widely as a scholar advocating for women’s rights, he welcomed the group with sincerity and simplicity. In the serene atmosphere, Kiai Husein offered prayers and a message, urging all Fahmina’s work to be grounded in love, moral courage, and a steadfast commitment to the weak and marginalized.
During this journey, the board members not only received a warm welcome but also spiritual and intellectual nourishment that strengthened the foundation of their work. Each visit brought fragments of the struggle that has now become an integral part of Fahmina’s DNA.
Also present in the delegation were:
Marzuki Rais (Chairman of the Foundation), Rozikoh Sukardi (Secretary), Satori (Treasurer), Rosidin (Program Manager), Suartini (Finance Staff), Alifatul Arifiati (Program Staff), and Zaenal Abidin (Media Staff).
This visit served as a shared learning space, reminding us that struggle is never solitary. It grows through relationships, built on intergenerational conversations, and constantly refreshed by the spirit of those who love justice, whether in silence or through their voices. Amidst the challenges of the times, the messages of the founders serve as a compass and source of strength: that the steps forward must remain in the rhythm of love, knowledge, and commitment. []
