HUMAS FIB USU - On Friday, September 4, 2026, the Arabic Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), held a public lecture entitled “Integration of Knowledge and Islamic Tradition in Addressing the Dynamics of the Times.” The event provided an academic forum for the academic community to broaden their knowledge, exchange ideas, and discuss the relevance of Islamic scholarly traditions in addressing developments and challenges in contemporary life.
The public lecture featured an international speaker, Sheikh Prof. Dr. Mu'taz As Subyani from Damascus, Syria, who is known as an Advisor for Islamic Research Affairs at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic. The presence of a speaker from the Islamic scholarly tradition of Syria provided an international perspective on the relationship between Islamic intellectual heritage, the development of knowledge, and the dynamics of modern society.
The event began with remarks from the Vice Rector of USU for Academic, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., who attended as a representative of the Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara.
In her remarks, the Vice Rector emphasized the importance of academic activities that provide space for dialogue between Islamic scholarly traditions and the development of contemporary knowledge. According to her, academic forums of this kind can strengthen the perspectives of the academic community while encouraging the establishment of academic networks and international collaboration.
The public lecture was then moderated by Dr. Windi Chaldun, Lc., M.Hum., Head of the Arabic Literature Study Program at FIB USU. With an academic background in Arabic language and literature as well as Islamic studies, the moderator guided the discussion to connect the intellectual heritage of Islam with the needs and challenges of modern society.
In his presentation, Sheikh Prof. Dr. Mu'taz As Subyani discussed the importance of establishing a harmonious relationship between knowledge and Islamic tradition. The integration of knowledge should not merely be understood as the combination of various disciplines, but rather as an effort to develop a comprehensive scholarly perspective.
Through this approach, Islamic values and intellectual traditions are expected to continue contributing to various issues and changes faced by modern society.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of understanding Islamic scholarly traditions contextually. The intellectual heritage of Islam, which has developed over centuries, possesses a wealth of methodologies, ideas, and experiences that can serve as sources of inspiration in responding to contemporary issues.
Therefore, the academic community is not only expected to understand this intellectual heritage but also to develop, critically examine, and actualize it in accordance with the needs of the times.
The public lecture was attended by the Dean and the FIB USU Deanery, along with the FIB USU academic community. Also in attendance were deans from various faculties within USU, the Director of Educational Development, the Director of the Directorate of Student and Alumni Affairs (Ditmawa Alumni), lecturers, students, and invited guests.
Participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm through discussions and academic interactions throughout the event. Lecturers and students had the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and engage in dialogue on the development of knowledge that continues to uphold values, ethics, and intellectual traditions.
The event also formed part of FIB USU’s efforts to strengthen an academic culture that is open to the exchange of knowledge and international perspectives. The presence of an international scholar from abroad is expected to expand academic networks while creating opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and community service.
Through the public lecture entitled “Integration of Knowledge and Islamic Tradition in Addressing the Dynamics of the Times,” FIB USU reaffirmed its commitment to continuously promoting the development of knowledge that is dialogical, inclusive, and relevant to changing times, without overlooking the richness of scholarly heritage and intellectual traditions that have developed throughout the history of Islamic civilization.