Let’s journey back to November 14 1965 when the seeds of Universitas Islam As-Syafiiyah were sown. This esteemed institution began as Akademi Pendidikan Islam As-Syafiiyah AKPI. It reflected KH Abdullah Syafi’ie’s deep commitment to Islamic education.
Universitas Islam As-Syafiiyah stands as a testament to a rich history. It started from humble beginnings. Abdullah Syafi’ie, at only 18, started a madrasah in 1928. His father gave him a piece of land. This small madrasah grew into “Perguruan As-Syafiiyah”.
Perguruan As-Syafiiyah thrived because it blended traditional Islamic education with the formal standards. This success led K.H. Abdullah Syafi’ie to envision higher education.
Originally, AKPI As-Syafiiyah aimed to improve religious teachers’ qualifications. It also sought to cultivate religious scholars with strong academic integrity. K.H. Abdullah Syafi’ie gathered capable colleagues to help him realize this vision. This led to the establishment of the Yayasan Pendidikan Islam As-Syafiiyah. It would manage the future university.
Initially, Jenderal Dr. H. Abdul Haris Nasution was to inaugurate AKPI As-Syafiiyah on October 1 1965. However, the G.30 S/PKI incident injured Nasution. Dr. Muhammad Hatta, one of Indonesia’s Proclamators, replaced him. The inaugural lecture occurred after Friday prayers at Masjid Al-Barkah on November 14 1965.
The early days of AKPI saw frequent disruptions. Students often protested. Despite these challenges, AKPI survived. Lecturers included K.H. Abdullah Syafi’ie, H. Abdullah Salim and K.H. Ali Assegaf.
The first cohort comprised 260 students. Many were religious teachers and young Muslims from madrasahs without formal qualifications.
On March 12 1968, Radio Dakwah, now Radio As-Syafi’iyah, was established. Students actively ran it. It served as a training ground for students to hone their da’wah skills. It also promoted the spirit of fighting for justice.
On March 12 1969, AKPI became Universitas Islam As-Syafiiyah UIA. It opened faculties including Adab, Perdagangan, Dakwah and Tarbiyah.
In 1979 K.H. Abdullah Syafi’ie started building the UIA campus in Jatiwaringin. It covered 1.3 hectares. The responsibility was given to the Head of the Presidium. She began approaching people. They could inspire and help build a great university.
As of 2015, Prof Dr Hj Tutty Alawiyah AS MA was still the Rector of Universitas Islam As-Syafiiyah. She is the daughter of K.H. Abdullah Syafi’ie. She passed away May 4 2016.
Dr Masduki Ahmad SH MM became the new Rector June 28 2016. He continued Hj. Tutty Alawiyah’s leadership.
Today Universitas Islam As-Syafiiyah continues its dedication. It provides quality Islamic education and contributes to community development.