Building bridge: community empowerment program in Islamic University and the practice of Ukhuwwah (Brotherhood)

Economic inequality remains a pressing issue in Indonesia. Addressing this challenge requires government intervention and active engagement from higher education institutions. Although not immediately apparent, higher education plays a vital role in economic development, particularly community capacity-building through community empowerment programs. Islamic university, in particular, is interested in promoting the principles of Ukhuwwah (brotherhood) in community empowerment as a manifestation of Islam as a rahmatan lil 'ālamīn (mercy for all the worlds). This research looks at how community empowerment programs have evolved in Islamic universities.