Living History of Gus Dur (an Indonesia Legend Figure)

Living History of Gus Dur -

Abdurrahman Wahid was born with the name Abdurrahman ad-Dhakhil, "ad-Dhakhil" means "the Conqueror", a name taken KH A. Wahid Hasyim, his parents, a pioneer of the Umayyads who has brought the glory of Islam in Spain for centuries. At the time, the word "ad-Dhakhil" is not well known and renamed "Wahid", Abdurrahman Wahid, and then better known as Gus Dur. "Gus" is a call to a child kyai. "Gus" is actually an abbreviation of the words "good", an expectation of a father to his son in order to become good man. Beside it "Gus" is a distinctive honor boarding call to a child kyai which means "brother" or "mas".

Gus Dur (nickname of Abdurrahman Wahid) was born on August 4, 1940 in Denanyar Jombang, the first child of six children (five brothers Gus Dur sequentially is `Aisha" Mrs. Hj. `Aisyah Hamid Baidlawi", Sholahuddin "Ir. H. Sholahuddin Wahid, "Umar" dr. H. Umar Wahid ", Khodijah and Hashim" Wahid Hasyim HM "). His father, K.H. Abdul Wahid Hasyim, was the son of K.H. Hashim Asy'ari, founder boarding Jam`iyah Tebuireng and founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest organization in Indonesia, perhaps even in the World. His mother, Mrs. Hj Sholehah, also the daughter of the great figures of NU, KH Bisri, founder Denanyar boarding school in Jombang and advisory PBNU.Dengan Rois Aam `so genetically, Gus Dur was blue-blood descendants and in the words of Clifford Geertz, he is classified as students and gentry at once.

Gus Dur, both of breed father and mother is a person who occupies a high social strata in Indonesian society, he is the grandson of two prominent scholar NU and major figures of the Indonesian nation. More than that Gus Dur was a descendant of Brawijaya IV (Calf Peteng) via two pathways, namely Ki Ageng Tarub I and Joko Tingkir.

Nevertheless, the journey of life Wahid does not reflect the life of a noble. He proceeds and live as befits the community in general.

Gus Dur childhood Tebuireng studying in boarding school in Jombang, the age of five, he was already fluent reading al-Qur'an. His teacher at that time was his own grandfather, K.H. Hashim Asy'ari. Gus Dur childhood unlike most kids his age, he does not live with her father, but went with his grandfather. During his grandfather's home that Gus Dur little getting to know the world of politics, of people every day back and forth in the house his grandfather.

In the end, Gus Dur should be moved to Jakarta, when his father was appointed as the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, namely in 1950, five years after Indonesia Merdeka. Gus Dur even finish primary school in Jakarta.

To add to the knowledge of Gus Dur was sent to follow courses that are determined by the choice of parents, such as the Dutch private lessons and by his teacher Willem Buhl treated to classical west music interlude. Book, football, chess, music and movies are five things never be separated from the figure of Gus Dur as a child.

At the time of small Abdurrahman never aspired to be a soldier, entered the military academy. However, the ideals it foundered, because at the age of 14, he had to wear glasses minus. Hose failed his ideals, make Gus Dur growing spirit of "crazy" in grappling with books, balls, chess, music and movies. Ultimately Gus Dur was a child when it redefined its goals are very simple, being a teacher! "I just wanted to be a teacher of the nation, such as Ki Hajar, Ki Mangunsarkoro, my grandfather Hasyim, and so on," he said once.

After graduating from elementary school in Jakarta, Wahid continued to SMEP in Tanah Abang, Jakarta, but after a year, he moved to Yogyakarta Gowongan SMEP. His mother hoped, move to Yogya aside so he could escape from the old neighborhood in Jakarta, is also back on his background as the son of Kyai: approaching the boarding school.

It is actually Gus Dur has experienced students or schools of education and religiosity of both parents. He learned Arabic as a child and have sufficient knowledge to be able to read the Koran (Al Qur’an) in a loud voice. After adolescence did he learn Arabic systematically.

When Gus Dur SMEP school in Yogya, well cultivated and arranged how he can go to a boarding school in Al-Munawwir Krapyak three times. Here he studied Arabic with K.H. Ali Ma`sum.

In Jogja, interest in reading and a thirst for knowledge Gus Dur emerging and increasingly sped away. Yogyakarta city is a city of students, with the presence of the university and many bookstores, or books that are owned by an acquaintance teacher or teachers themselves, or belonging to the father boarding. From where Gus Dur experienced the love of books and frequently visited bookstores regularly. In this city also Gus dur like a puppet show. Besides old habits like a movie into a routine that never left.

After completing school in Yogya SMEP in 1957, Wahid moved to Magelang in Pesantren Tegalrejo under the care of a charismatic kyai, kyai Khudori, from where Gus Dur studying full boarding along with the scientific world.

At the same time, for two years Gus Dur also studying part-time at boarding school in Jombang Denanyar under the guidance of his maternal grandfather, Kyai Bisri Syamsuri. After Abdurrahman continued to lodge Pond Rice boarding school, under the tutelage of Kyai Wahab Hasbullah, from boarding This relationship Abdurrahman and Wahab Hasbullah very thick, so he got the urge to proceed in stages of learning, even Gus Dur had been a headmaster Modern. From this pesantren interest he began to grow, not only on studies to Islamization, but are interested in the study of Sufi and mystical traditions of culture and Islamic traditions. This was the beginning of a habit Gus Dur who often visited the tombs of saints, kyai, and scholars at midnight.

Ultimately Gus Dur completed his studies that he wrestled in Indonesia and then continue the process of learning abroad. As of offspring, Gus Dur was from a family who thirst for knowledge, so naturally when Gus Dur should continue their studies up to overseas.

Early study abroad, in the year 1964-1969. Gus Dur entered in the Department of Higher Islamic and Arabic Studies, Al-Azhar Islamic University, Cairo Egypt.

Gus Dur journey learning process in Egypt is not as smooth and as easy to run, because it must be hampered by the maintenance of the recognition of diplomas and the subjects that have been learned in Indonesia.

Gus Dur was a lot of things in the repeated lessons when studying in Egypt, so he was so reluctant to undertake formal study and often do not go to college. This is where he often channeled his hobby following the football game, read in large libraries, watch French films, and participate in discussions at coffeehouses very menarik.Dengan such conditions, seems to make Gus Dur was a bit disappointed and bored, so he decided to get out of Al-Azhar and moved to Baghdad.

Then in 1970-1972 Wahid moved studied at the Faculty of Letters, University of Baghdad Irak. There, Gus Dur has a pretty tight schedule, ranging from focusing on the research of the history of Islam in Indonesia and he was given the easy access to implementation stages of research. He also studied French in this town, which is often not forgotten grave pilgrimage to the tombs of the world and sharpen homeroom mystical science. Abdurrahman Wahid remains, although no longer do the discussions in the coffee shop, due to the tight schedule but he took to the movies.

After completing their study in the Middle East, Gus Dur then moved to Europe to continue his graduate studies. At first, Gus Dur living in the Netherlands and wishes into the University of Leiden, but that occurs in several European universities, including Leiden can not accept a graduate of the University of Baghdad. Gus Dur was disappointed with it, to reduce the burden of disappointment he traveled for a year in Europe and in the mid 1971 Gus Dur back to Indonesia.

Upon his return from Europe to Indonesia, Gus Dur was still not desperate to pursue their studies in European countries, eventually he received information about the scholarship to McGill, but that the intention is stuck but nevertheless occur, due to the need to hold the wedding reception. Then after that Gus Dur in Jombang and initiate steps to find a format change has to do with a way around the "friendship" of Java, which will make Gus Dur really thought better to continue their studies abroad.

Gus Dur became a student traveling in Europe, learn from one university to another, in the end also had settled in the Netherlands and founded the Muslim Students Association of Indonesia and Malaysia who live in Europe.

At the time of his studies abroad Gus Dur also have periods in their work, while in Egypt he had got a job at the Indonesian embassy to Egypt, then when in Baghdad, he worked in Ar-Ramadhani, this company mengkhususnya textile imports from Europe and America, when in Europe he also worked in the laundry belonging to people Cina.ketika settle in the Netherlands Gus Dur twice a month to go to the port to work as a cleaner tankers.

A variety of science and all the process in self-reliance, a Gus Dur able to penetrate the limits of reasonable human side, even attempt to be independent in his life was he able.

That's the story of Gus Dur in search of knowledge, in addition to being taught by teachers that strong informal, may Wahid was also given the gift by God so that they can quickly understand a passage and has a prodigious memory will be readings. Perhaps that is the basis for a potential leader in the future.

In proceed to build and maintain the household Gus Dur, arguably quite unique, its introduction in Jombang as a teacher and student then passes through a considerable distance, Gus Dur in Cairo and Nuriyah in Jombang. initially for a few years in Cairo, Wahid continued contact Nuriayah through a very regular correspondence eventually Nuriyah also received Wahid as his friend to carry out the engagement during the period of two years, after that Gus Dur was married Nuriyah.

Gus Dur had four daughters, they are, Alissa Qotrunnada, Zannuba Arifah Chafsoh, Anita Hayatunnufus, and Inayah Wulandari. Gus Dur in educating their children also always apply the practice of democracy, not authoritarian to the problems faced by children, Gus Dur just drive and make suggestions with all the consequences against a variety of choices.

The struggle for a Gus Dur is very long, beginning but not the start he wanted, the process flow starting from since being in Indonesia to abroad was doing, ranging from teaching, became headmaster, in charge of many activities abroad, becoming a social commentator by writing in a variety of print media, engaged in the sphere of NGO LP3ES, NU chairman, to become President 4th. Gus Dur awareness will move to find an ideal change is strong enough, he was very anti-violence, strong, tough and consistent.

Wahid suffered from many diseases, even before serving as President until later, he experienced a disease such as stroke, diabetes and others. Gus Dur passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, in the hospital Cipto Mangunkusumo, at 18:45 pm, due to her illness for a long time.

Gus Dur's death coincided with the 27th anniversary of his youngest daughter, Inayah Wulandari, who was born on 31 December 1982, during Gus Dur was treated in hospital RSCM, Inayah includes one daughter Gus Dur most diligent in keeping Gus Dur.

According to the story, K.H. Salahudin Wahid, who nicknamed Gus Sholah he met his brother, Gus Dur was the last time in Jombang, a week before his death, that Gus Dur while on a pilgrimage to the tomb of the family, then Gus Sholah already have a sense of foreboding. Gus Sholah feel shocked and surprised when Gus Dur said "Dik, Mengko 31 kene jemputen aku nang kene!” (my brother, later the 31st pick me here) and so are many stories commemorate before and after the death of Abdurrahman Wahid died many are aware that Gus Dur already know the time of his death. Hopefully deeds He is accepted by Allah.

That's what happened in the figure of Gus Dur, his power only certain people who knew him even able to hide it well, without the need to know a lot of people. Now if we observe, many people who mourn to the grave like the graves of the saints of God "Wali Songo", many people feel lost, mourn his passing. He was only a few spiritual teachers among Muslims, as well as among different religions in Indonesia and in the World.

His works

Intellectual works Gus Dur since the early 1970s until the late 1990s, intellectual work was spread in various forms of writing and can be classified as follows, in book form as many as 12, 1 book translation, 20 preface, 1 epilogue book, 41 anthology books, 105 papers in the form of a column, 50 papers, 263 articles were scattered in various magazines, newspapers, journals and mass media.

The team of researchers from INCReS (Institute of Culture and Religion Studies) are simply gives an overview of the major works resulting from the mindset of Gus Dur, the work is grouped into seven key themes, the seven basic themes also marks the big ideas of concern Gus Dur during this time. Seven it is the view of the Islamic world, the Islamic indigenization, the necessity of democracy, the finality of the nation-state of Pancasila, religious pluralism, universal and anthropology humanitarinisme kyai.

Here's a list of the works in the course of his career and struggle Gus Dur:

1. Teacher of Madrasah Mu`allimat, Jombang (1959-1953)

2. Hashim Asy'ari University Lecturer, Jombang (1972-1974)

3. The Dean of the Faculty of the University of Hashim Asy'ari Ushuludin, Jombang (1972-1974)

4. Secretary of Tebuireng Pesantren in Jombang (1974-1979)

5. Caregiver Boarding Ciganjur, Jakarta (1976-2009)

6. Founder and member FORDEM (Democracy forum), 1990.

7. NU (Nahdlatul Ulama), scribes Awwal NU 1980-1984, Chairman of the board tanfidh NU, 1994-2000.

8. The founder of PKB (PKB)

9. P3M (Center for Pesantren and Community Empowerment)

10. Founder of The Wahid Institute.

11. National reconciliation 11. Moral Movement, in 2003, as an adviser.

12. Solidarity victims of human rights violations, in 2002, as an adviser.

13. Festival Film Indonesia, from 1986 to 1987, as the jury.

14. The Chairman of the Jakarta Arts Council, 1982-1985.

15. Youth Association of Indonesian Students in Cairo Egypt, in 1965, as vice-chairman.

16. Non Violence Peace Movement, Seoul, South Korea President 2003-until he died.

17. International Strategic Dialogue Center, University of Netanya, Israel.

18. International board members together Mikhail Gorbachev, Ehud Barak and carl bild 2003-until he died.

19. International Islamic Christian Organisation for Reconciliation and Reconstrukction (IICORR), London, England. As honorary president of the 2003-until he died.

20. International and Interreligious Federation for World Peace (IIFWP). New York, United States. International advisory board member. 2002-until he died.

21. Association of Muslim Community Leaders (Amcl), New York, USA, President, 2002.

22. Shimon Peres Center for Peace, Tel Aviv, Israel. Founders and members. 1994-until he died.

23. The World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP), New York, USA, President, 1994-1998.

24. International dialogue project for area studies and law, den hag, the Netherlands, as an advisor, 1994.

25. The Aga Khan Award for Islamic Architecture, jury, 1980-1983.

With perseverance in the struggle and thoughts on humanity both in Indonesia and in the world of Gus Dur lot of getting honorary degrees from various institutions and received numerous awards from various local organizations, nationally and internationally.

Then Gus Dur also recognized in academic circles that capacity several times received degrees from various universities.

Thoughts

Gus Dur did have a thought that is quite unique and clear. Arguably thought capable of passing his time, because many people have to think hard what is his thought. He is also known to be very controversial.

Gus Mus call Gus Dur as a lesson of the Lord, to date, must not-or never-no one can match the number of Gus Dur in collecting the nickname. Breadth association and attention Abdurrahman undoubtedly very important role in the collection of the surname. Those who saw how Gus Dur as `fanatik` and persistent adjust his attitude to the word of God" Walaqod karramna Banii Adama ... "(Qur'an, 17:70), might be dubbed humanist. Those who saw it as `taat` and persistent follow in the footsteps of parents and grandparents in love homeland, might be dubbed nationalists, they are seen as people who have a spiritual quality level, it might be dubbed a guardian. And so on.

Struggle Gus Dur able to pass all kinds of disciplines, ranging from religion, philosophy, mysticism, grammar, culture and art, humor, democracy, pluralism, humanism, nationalism. With his ideas were brilliant, Gus Dur was able to become a social commentator who is able to make restless and awaken many people especially the current administration.

Gus Dur's intellectual development was formed by classical Islamic education and modern western education. These factors are a prerequisite for him to develop his ideas. In activities related to travel, read, and debating ideas, Gus Dur second synthesizing this educational world. Maybe he do this more complete than the majority of intellectuals in Indonesia, which then makes Gus Dur became part of a new movement in Islamic thought in Indonesia. Gus Dur's emphasis is more hinted at things more substantial, teaches us to always be tolerant, open and inclusive.

According to Greg Barton, Gus Dur, he was categorized into one of the Neo-Modernist scholars. Among the intellectual digolongkannya character in the Neo-modernist group that in understanding Islam much inherited the spirit of Muhammad Abduh in argumentation of rationalism is contextual. Attempting to load the synthesis between the classical repertoire with the necessity diligence, and appreciative with western ideas, especially in the social sciences and humanities. Neo-Modernist is promoting understanding of Islam that is open, inclusive, especially in accepting the reality of factual pluralism existing community, inclined to emphasize tolerance and harmony in relations between communities.

Gus Dur flexibility in constructing his thinking can not be denied. As well as about the country "Indonesia" should be moslem majority, Gus Dur obviously questioned this concept, for him drafted in accordance with Islamic countries do not have the clarity format. The Prophet left Medina without any clarity about the form of government for Muslims. Islamic countries are thinking about some people that just look at Islam from the point of institutional alone. As long as there is no clarity about the above, actually futile filed the claim that Islam has the concept of statehood.

Then Gus Dur managed to resolve the conflict between state and society, which in the new order is too strong or authoritarian state, while society is too weak. He thought and the development of social movements succeeded in reducing the authoritarian nature of the state and at the same time successfully empower people with the advent of the power of civil society (civil society). Gus Dur struggle against democracy to the country, it's not a secret anymore, many people who know and recognize. Gus Dur about aspired Indonesia is a country that democracy has little influence over the military, and there is no fundamentalism in religion. For him in this modern life that can unite diverse demokrasilah tendency toward the forces of the nation. Democracy is so important in a pluralistic state because it turns the whole berkehidupan nationality can only be achieved and grow in an atmosphere of democratic though democracy to date in Indonesia is still a process of discussion, but a time will achieve real democracy.

Gus Dur as the one of his people who first voiced back to the idea of ​​indigenization of Islam. With a sense that it is a manifestation of life dipribumikan Islam, not a doctrine concerning faith and worship formal core. Not an effort to avoid the emergence of resistance from the forces of the local culture, but rather so that the culture is not lost. This was done for propaganda pioneer "Songo guardian" in the process of Islamization in Indonesia. It can be seen that Gus Dur's thoughts and movements are not much different from the trustees can be called Sufi.

Gus Dur uniting culture and diversity, he said, religion "Islam" has the independence and culture of each, but both have overlapping territories. Humans can not be religion without culture, because culture is the human creativity that can be one form of expression of diversity. But it can not be concluded that religion is culture. In between there is an overlap and complement each other but still have differences. Religion rooted in revelation and has its own norms. Religious norms are normative, therefore it tends to become permanent. While culture is human creativity, so he developed in accordance with the times and tend to always change. This difference does not preclude the possibility of manifestation of religious life in the form of culture. Perspective thus put religion in its function as a vehicle aegis traditions of the nation and at the same time make kehidupaan national religion as a vehicle for his maturation.

Gus Dur is also known as a humorous figure. Thinking and critical attitude towards the reality of life is often conveyed through humor, so that is agreed or not both laughing. In fact, he was equated with the Greek philosopher, Socrates, who likes to throw the comments humoristis. Gus Dur resistance did perhaps many people do not know, that in fact he was having a massive change and criticism conveyed through jokes.

In the international world was Gus Dur received many intellectual circles of the world. Even many who do research in particular on the pattern and style of his mind. Not strange also when various awards obtained Gus Dur from the international community.

Gus Dur is the most genuin representation of two cultures that constantly survive and thrive in the environment NU. The first is culture pesantren kyai with the small universe of NU. The second is the youth culture that marked NU. NU convergence with the modern world. He also built his thinking as a social movement that can intelligently put NU in a strategic position. Through Gus Dur NU also do massive changes and fundamental to NU itself and the nation.

Gus Dur has Sufi scent strength. Like the idea of ​​God does not need to be defended, he said bahwasannya, Al-Hujwiri say, if you assume God exists simply because you formulate it, the fact that you had become an infidel. God does not have to regret that "He complicate" our. Also do not need to be defended if the nature of his attack, which in turn is afraid of human perception on the nature of God, with the possibility of trouble they cause. Gus Dur decorate and run the way of thinking as well as the congregation teachers.

In the spiritual thought Gus Dur can be called a real Sufi. He is forgiving, even though the evil enemy though. Although reviled for defending the non-Muslim he was patient and calm, never grudge to anyone, never afraid to face any kind, sincere, without strings attached, and so that mencorakkan Abdurrahman Sufi side. Sufi always combine hard work and total submission to God. Gus Dur is considered the guardian "Sufi" in the eyes of his followers and the persecuted. Thought, Gus Dur defense and struggle throughout his life, showing that he has the qualities of a guardian, without having forced or debated for so-called guardian.

Gus Dur is already a phenomenon that is interesting and unique, especially in the arena of Islamic thought in Indonesia even factored in political discourse. meanwhile, he is able to conduct large-scale changes among nahdliyyin. Make himself as a pedestal consulted, submit complaints and seek information, sometimes also asked for approval of various parties and walks of life. Gus Dur is apparently no longer a figure, he has become a symbol, or even a myth. Abdurrahman a figure will determine the level of success clearly in advancing the people, if products can be perceived ijtihad its implications for the dynamics of society, nation, and state.

Finished

 Living History of Gus Dur

Taken from any sources