ACEH BESAR — Abu Sulaiman Qari, S.Sos.I., M.AP, Rais Syuriah of the Banda Aceh City Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU), emphasized that time spent in a correctional facility should serve as a period of introspection and a turning point to redirect one's life. He delivered this spiritual message to inmates during a religious gathering at the Class IIA Banda Aceh Correctional Facility in Lambaro, Aceh Besar Regency, on Wednesday (5/8/2026).
A Turning Point for Self-Improvement
During his sermon, Abu Sulaiman urged all inmates not to lose heart or remain trapped in prolonged regret over their past. Being in a correctional facility does not mark the end of a person's life journey, but rather provides a dedicated space for reflection so that each individual can rise again and steer their life in a better direction.
"Serving a sentence in a correctional facility is not the end of a person's life journey. On the contrary, the rehabilitation period can become a turning point to improve oneself and rebuild the future," said Abu Sulaiman Qari, S.Sos.I., M.AP, Rais Syuriah of PCNU Banda Aceh City.
Lifting Fallen Pearls
The solemn spiritual event carried the theme "Lifting Fallen Pearls." Through this theme, Abu Sulaiman presented a philosophical analogy that human dignity and the inner potential for goodness are never entirely lost, even if someone has stumbled into past mistakes or transgressions.
He likened the inmates to valuable pearls. Even if a pearl falls to the ground or into mud, its worth and beauty do not disappear once it is cleaned and restored. It is this process of cleansing and character restoration that the inmates are currently undergoing through various mental and spiritual rehabilitation programs at the facility.
The Door of Repentance and Rebuilding the Future
Furthermore, Abu Sulaiman highlighted the importance of utilizing every moment in prison to draw closer to the Creator and deepen religious understanding. The doors of forgiveness and repentance from Allah SWT are always wide open for any servant who sincerely wishes to repent and is firmly determined to reform their behavior.
This continuous series of religious gatherings is expected to offer moral support and spiritual peace to the inmates. Equipped with sound religious grounding and a positive shift in mindset, inmates are hoped to be ready to rejoin society as renewed individuals of noble character who can contribute positively after completing their prison sentences.
Reference source: Habanusantara – Abu Sulaiman Ingatkan Warga Binaan, Pintu Taubat Selalu Terbuka
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