Reunion: Weaving Bonds of Kinship, Harvesting Blessings
By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, Lc., MEI
A reunion is not merely a gathering to reminisce. It is a heartfelt journey that transcends space and time, connecting the memory-filled past with a meaningful present. In our culture, reunions strengthen social ties and a sense of togetherness. In Islamic teachings, a reunion is an embodiment of silaturahmi—a noble deed that opens the gates of sustenance and prolongs life. Thus, a reunion is not only a social event but also a spiritual endeavor; not merely nostalgia, but a field of merit.
1. Cultural Perspective:
A reunion is a re-encounter among individuals who once shared bonds—schoolmates, comrades, or colleagues. In Indonesian culture, a reunion is a social tradition that reinforces family values, silaturahmi, and nostalgia for the past. The spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), respect, and maintaining good relationships is deeply reflected in such gatherings. Reunions also provide opportunities to share information, emotional support, and even to foster social and economic cooperation.
2. Islamic Perspective:
In Islam, the concept of a reunion is closely related to silaturahmi (صلة الرحم), which is highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
> “Whoever wishes to have his sustenance expanded and his life extended, let him maintain the ties of kinship.”
(Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
In this context, a reunion becomes a tangible form of silaturahmi. It not only strengthens social bonds but also serves as a medium to spread goodness, sow compassion, and renew noble intentions among one another.
However, Islam also reminds us that reunions should be conducted with proper manners and ethics. There should be no free intermingling between non-mahram men and women, no flaunting of wealth or status, and no place for vanity or excessive pride. The intention must be sincere for the sake of Allah, to strengthen brotherhood, not merely to indulge in worldly nostalgia.
Conclusion:
When properly understood and conducted, a reunion is a social deed aligned with the noble cultural values of the Indonesian nation and Islamic teachings. It becomes a means to reinforce brotherhood (ukhuwah), revive good memories, and foster cooperation for the common good.
A reunion is a blessing—a chance to reopen chapters of shared stories, strengthen brotherhood, and affirm our steps toward the future. In culture, it strengthens social bonds; in Islam, it becomes a field of righteousness. May this reunion not be the end of a meeting, but the beginning of a silaturahmi that continues to live and flourish in blessings.
References
The Noble Qur’an
Al-Bukhari, Muhammad bin Ismail. Sahih al-Bukhari. Beirut: Dar Ibn Katsir, 2001.
Muslim, Imam. Sahih Muslim. Riyadh: Darussalam, 2005.
Ministry of Religious Affairs, Republic of Indonesia. The Qur’an and Its Translation. Jakarta: Lajnah Pentashihan Mushaf Al-Qur’an, 2019.
Koentjaraningrat. Culture, Mentality, and Development. Jakarta: Gramedia, 2009.
Nata, Abuddin. Ethics of Sufism. Jakarta: Rajawali Press, 2011.
Quraish Shihab, M. Insights from the Qur’an: Thematic Interpretation of Various Issues in the Ummah. Bandung: Mizan, 1996.
Zamakhsyari Dhofier. Pesantren Tradition: A Study of the Kyai’s Worldview. Jakarta: LP3ES, 2011.