Dekra Nasda Tangerang Selatan: Finding Inner Peace

Keynote Speech by Ibu Trutami Ajeng Pilar Saga and Ibu Walikota Tangerang Selatan Hajah Tini Benyamin Dafni

Opening Remarks

• Event held at Islamic Center Baiturrahmi, Tangerang Selatan
• Acknowledgment of various contributors and attendees

Theme: More Than Happiness, You Need Calmness

• Happiness is temporary and comes from external factors
• Calmness is enduring and comes from within
• Life Examples: School, Work, Marriage
  • Achievements don't ensure lasting calmness
  • Life stages (school, job, marriage) bring new stresses

Achieving Calmness

• Difference Between Happiness and Calmness
  • Happiness: external, temporary, short-lived
  • Calmness: internal, long-lasting, consistent
• Misconceptions About Happiness
  • Seeking external accomplishments or possessions for happiness often leads to temporary relief
  • Real happiness (calmness) must come from within

Steps to Inner Peace

1. Repentance (Taubah)

• Cleanse heart from sins (considered as 'waste')
• Repeated sins darken the heart
• Reflect on mistakes and seek Allah's forgiveness earnestly
• Continuous self-assessment

2. Forgiveness and Removing Hatred

• Clear heart from hatred and grudges
• Holding onto grudges negatively affects one’s peace
• Forgiveness is not forgetting but remembering without pain
• Everything happens by Allah's will; let go of resentment

3. Detachment from Worldly Desires (Dunia)

• Avoid excessive attachment to worldly goods
• Understand that material wealth doesn’t bring true peace
• Life examples of those who find peace despite limited resources
• Practicing moderation and appreciating what is already available

4. Zikrullah (Remembrance of Allah)

• Regular remembrance of Allah brings peace
• Practicing morning and evening prayers and zikr (e.g., Lailahaillallah)
• Engaging in continuous acts of worship and gratitude

5. Reciting Salawat (Praises upon Prophet Muhammad)

• Regularly send blessings to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
• Salawat helps in lifting burdens and achieving forgiveness
• Integrating salawat into daily routine

Practical Applications

• Daily Zikr and Salawat routines
  • Established practices such as Al-Wirdul-Latif Zikr
  • Regular salawat and dua (e.g., before sleep, during hardship)

Conclusion

• True inner peace (calmness) requires spiritual work and removing attachments to the worldly desires
• Constant striving for repentance, forgiveness, detachment, zikr, and salawat
• Seek lasting calmness rather than fleeting happiness