SPs Theater Room UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS: The Graduate School of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta held the 2774th Thesis Exam at the SPs Theater Room of UIN Jakarta, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 with candidate Ahmad Habib.

Ahmad Habib is a student of the Master of Islamic Studies study program with a concentration in Islamic Thought. Habib wrote a thesis entitled "Zikir and Work Ethic: A Study of Zikir and Work Ethic of Akmaliah Khalwatiyah Tarekat Practitioners at the Akmaliah Ciracas Islamic Boarding School, East Jakarta"

This thesis refutes the general view that the institute only focuses on the inner spiritual aspect and tends to weaken the spirit of work. On the contrary, this study shows that the practice of dhikr in the Khalwatiyah Akmaliah Tarekat actually significantly improves the work ethic of its practitioners.

The research conducted with a qualitative approach and descriptive method took place at the Akmaliah Islamic Boarding School, Ciracas, East Jakarta. Data was collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, then analyzed inductively. The main focus of the study is to analyze the relationship between the practice of dhikr and the work ethic of the sālikīn (practitioners of the tariqat).

The findings of the study show that dhikr in the Khalwatiyah Akmaliah Order is not an ordinary practice, but is carried out systematically and in stages under the guidance of a mursyid. Various forms of dhikr, such as dhikr nafi isbat, dhikr isbat, dhikr sunnah, and dhikr puji hari, are not just rituals, but are effective means in the formation of deep personality and spirituality.

Furthermore, the impact of this practice of dhikr is clearly seen in the formation of the work ethic of the sālikīn. Through the internalization of spiritual values, the practitioners of this order instill discipline, responsibility, and honesty in themselves. Interestingly, they view work not only as a worldly obligation, but as an inseparable part of their worship of God.

Activeness in dhikr contributes significantly to increased work morale, moral integrity, and perseverance in daily professional activities. This shows that spiritual practices in the tariqat, especially dhikr, have a real impact in forming a resilient and productive work character.

This study emphatically argues that dhikr not only functions as an inner worship, but also has a strong influence in shaping individuals who have a high work ethic. This argument is reinforced by previous studies, such as those conducted by Siswoyo & Hartatik (2020) and Saifullah (2012), which also indicate that spiritual practices in the tariqat actually strengthen the work ethic, not weaken it.

Thus, these findings offer a new perspective that dhikr in tariqat can be a relevant and applicable spiritual foundation in improving the quality of work in the midst of the challenges of modern society. This is also a reminder that spirituality and professionalism can go hand in hand, even strengthen each other.

Ahmad Habib successfully defended his thesis under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Asep Usman Ismail, M.Ag, and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Hamdani, M.Ag, Ph.D, Prof. Dr. Asep Usman Ismail, M.Ag, Prof. Dr. Media Zainul Bahri, MA and Prof. Dr. Bambang Irawan, M.Ag.

After paying attention to the thesis writing, the comments of the examiner team and the candidate's answers, the examiner team determined that Ahmad Habib graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory. Ismail is the 2774th master in the field of Islamic Studies, in the master's program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (JA)