Etaher Ali Saad Dyabat, a doctoral student in the Islamic Studies program, successfully earned his Ph.D on Monday, June 2nd, 2025. The doctoral promotion examination was held at the Twin Towers B Building, Postgraduate Program. Originally from Libya, Etaher is known as a dedicated and diligent scholar in the field of Islamic sciences.
His dissertation, titled “Purification of the Soul and Cleansing of the Heart,” focuses on the concept of tazkiyatun nafs from an Islamic perspective. This research explores the process of spiritual purification through various forms of worship, with a particular emphasis on zakat al-mal (almsgiving) and zakat al-fitr (charity at the end of Ramadan) as spiritual tools for cleansing the heart. In his view, zakat is not merely a legal obligation, but a vital instrument for eradicating undesirable traits such as miserliness, materialism, and egocentrism—provided it is performed sincerely for the sake of Allah SWT.
The dissertation underscores that soul purification is a central aspect of moral development in a Muslim’s life. Through consistent worship and the sincere observance of zakat, individuals can attain inner peace and draw closer to Allah. Etaher also highlights the social dimension of zakat, which helps build solidarity and reduce inequality within society.
By raising this theme, he has made a significant contribution to Islamic studies—particularly in the areas of tasawuf (Sufism), ethics, and spiritual education—while reinforcing the relevance of Islamic teachings in shaping noble, purified individuals.
His primary motivation in selecting this topic was a personal desire to delve deeper into the process of tazkiyatun nafs as a pathway to spiritual perfection for Muslims. He believes that sincere worship and proper zakat practices serve as effective means to purify the heart from blameworthy traits.
Etaher’s research employs a Qur’anic-based approach, using thematic interpretation (tafsir maudhu‘i) to explore the concept of soul purification and heart cleansing. This involved identifying, compiling, and analysing Qur’anic verses related to tazkiyatun nafs, sincerity in worship, and the spiritual and social significance of zakat.
He examined how the Qur’an provides comprehensive guidance in shaping the character of a Muslim with a pure heart, clear soul, and sincerity in obeying Allah’s commands. In his research, zakat al-mal and zakat al-fitr are positioned not only as religious obligations but also as effective tools for fostering social compassion and purging the soul of greed and worldly attachment.
Through this Qur’anic approach, Etaher presented not only a textual understanding but also a contextual one, making his research highly relevant to the current moral and spiritual challenges faced by Muslims. It is hoped that this study will serve as a scholarly reference for the advancement of Islamic studies grounded in the Qur’anic text while offering solutions to real-life challenges.
Dr. H. Muhammad Arif, M.A., serving as the promoter and examiner, stated that this doctoral promotion should be received with deep gratitude. He expressed hope that the dissertation would benefit not only the promovendus himself but also society and the universe at large. “The lessons from this work are not only for students and local communities, but for all living beings,” he remarked. He also reminded everyone to always use the Qur’an as a means of attaining Allah’s pleasure and to continue learning and improving upon any shortcomings found.
The examination committee extended their congratulations to the promovendus for successfully researching and uncovering the meanings within the Qur’an through a well-defended dissertation. The public defense was concluded by Dr. H. Hammis Syafaq, M.Fil.I., with a communal hamdalah (praise to Allah), followed by a photo session with the promovendus.
May this achievement mark the beginning of broader contributions to knowledge, da’wah, and the betterment of the world.
Written by: Moh. Anshori & Indyra Puspita.
