JAKARTA —-— Dompet Dhuafa organised a study session and joint prayer service themed “The Best Plot Twist Is Called Allah’s Destiny” with Ustaz Dr Hepi Andi Bastoni, MA, M.Pd.I, at Patra Kuningan on Saturday (27 June 2026). This event served as an opportunity to strengthen ties between Dompet Dhuafa and its donors and their families, whilst also providing a moment to offer joint prayers for the late Iswadji bin Rochmad, who passed away on 14 May 2026.
A warm atmosphere was evident from the very start of the event. Attendees chatted amongst themselves whilst enjoying lunch together before the programme began. This simple gathering provided a space to strengthen bonds between donors, families and the Dompet Dhuafa team in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.
At the opening of the event, the late Iswadji’s son, Agung Wicaksono, delivered a speech filled with gratitude and emotion. He remembered his father as a hard-working man who remained active until the age of 71. After he was no longer able to work due to the pandemic, Dompet Dhuafa’s various activities became an important part of the late Iswadji’s daily life, filling his days with enthusiasm, happiness and new meaning.
“Over the past four years, Dompet Dhuafa’s activities have formed a community that filled my late father’s life with meaning, grace and enthusiasm,” said Agung.
He admitted to having witnessed first-hand how much his father enjoyed every activity he took part in with Dompet Dhuafa.
“I had never seen my father so enthusiastic, so cheerful, when he was involved with Dompet Dhuafa. That was a source of joy in itself for our whole family,” he said.
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Agung also expressed his gratitude to all those present and the wider Dompet Dhuafa family who had come to pray for his father. He said that their concern and the prayers offered together were a source of great comfort to the family.
“Thank you to Dompet Dhuafa and all the congregation who continue to pray for the deceased. May Allah widen his grave, ease his reckoning, and place him in the paradise of Jannatun Naim,” he said.
Following the speech, the attendees watched a video tribute to the late Iswadji, showcasing his involvement in various Dompet Dhuafa activities. An emotional atmosphere filled the room. A number of attendees were seen sitting in silence, lost in memories of the late Mr Iswadji, who during his lifetime was known for his enthusiasm and cheerfulness.
The solemnity deepened as the young students from SMART Ekselensia Indonesia led the recitation of Surah Ar-Rahman. The recitation of the holy verses of the Qur’an, echoing through the room, led all those present to offer prayers together for the late Mr Iswadji. The prayer was then led by Ustaz Dr Hepi Andi Bastoni as a mark of respect and an earnest plea for forgiveness, mercy, and the best place at the side of Allah the Almighty for the deceased.
The joint prayer served as both a mark of respect and an expression of love for the late Iswadji. During his lifetime, he was known as someone who actively participated in various Dompet Dhuafa activities. His spirited and cheerful presence left a deep impression on his family and friends who had joined him in various charitable endeavours.
Under the theme “The Best Plot Twist Is Called Allah’s Destiny”, Ustaz Dr Hepi Andi Bastoni then encouraged the audience to understand that belief in destiny is part of the pillars of faith. However, belief in destiny does not mean that one should cease to make an effort.
“Destiny does not negate the obligation to make an effort. We may make plans and indeed must devise strategies. But it is Allah the Almighty who determines the final outcome,” he explained.
Through the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) migration and the example set by Umar bin Khattab in facing a plague, Ustaz Hepi explained that human endeavour and tawakal (trust in Allah) are two things that must go hand in hand. A Muslim is commanded to strive earnestly, and then to entrust the final outcome to Allah the Almighty.
“If we make an effort whilst relying on Allah, when we succeed we give thanks, and when we have not yet succeeded we are patient. That is the formula for a Muslim’s life,” he said.
The discussion took place in an interactive manner through a question-and-answer session. One of the family members asked about the difference between ikhlas and rida. In response to this question, Ustaz Hepi explained that ikhlas refers to the sincerity of a servant in performing good deeds, whilst rida, in its highest sense, is the pleasure of Allah the Almighty towards His servants.
On the same occasion, Susilowati, the wife of the late Iswadji, also expressed her gratitude to all those present for praying for her husband. She also apologised if, during his lifetime, the deceased had ever wronged anyone.
Responding to a question regarding the acts of worship that can serve as a means of seeking Allah’s assistance when facing a fate that feels burdensome, Ustaz Hepi explained that a Muslim is encouraged to increase their prayers, righteous deeds, charity, and remembrance of Allah, as well as to seek the prayers of the righteous as a form of seeking Allah’s assistance.
As the event drew to a close, the attendees captured the moment of togetherness with a group photograph. The warm atmosphere continued as the attendees shook hands and bid farewell to the family of the late Iswadji and the Dompet Dhuafa team. As a token of gratitude for the attendees’ prayers and presence, the family of the late Iswadji also presented gifts to the attendees before they left the venue.
More than just a series of religious discussions and communal prayers, this event served as a space to strengthen bonds, share words of encouragement, and remember the late Mr Iswadji, who during his lifetime found happiness in togetherness and various acts of kindness alongside Dompet Dhuafa. It is hoped that this spirit will continue to live on through prayer, compassion, and the bonds of brotherhood that remain strong. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Nurul
Editor: Dhika