Professor Zain Al-Abidin, Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) in Indonesia, affirmed that the contributions of Guru Tua, or Sayed Idrus bin Salim Al-Jafri, in the field of education and Islamic advocacy serve as a true source of inspiration for developing education in the Nusantara region. He made these remarks during his speech in Palu, highlighting that the commemoration of Guru Tua is not merely an annual celebration, but an opportunity to renew the commitment to the educational and advocacy values he established.
He added that Guru Tua was a distinguished figure in his field, known for his patience and great dedication to teaching his students. He founded Alkhairaat, a school that has become a model for Islamic education in Indonesia, particularly in the eastern regions.
Event Details
The 58th anniversary of Guru Tua coincides with 12 Shawwal 1447 AH, which corresponds to April 1, 2026. Zain Al-Abidin called for the necessity of drawing lessons from his life and experience in building an educated community that believes in human values. He emphasized that Guru Tua's efforts in spreading education and advocacy went beyond the academic aspect, aiming to enhance social and human values.
He noted that Guru Tua respected local culture and worked to integrate it with Islamic teachings, reflecting his deep understanding of the necessity for peaceful coexistence among different cultures and religions. He also had the ability to correct misconceptions in a wise manner.
Background & Context
Nahdlatul Ulama was established in Indonesia in the early 20th century, aiming to promote Islamic education and address the challenges faced by Muslim communities at that time. Guru Tua was one of the prominent figures who contributed to this direction, having established numerous educational institutions that continue to influence Indonesian society to this day.
Historically, Indonesia faced significant challenges in education, especially in remote areas. However, Guru Tua's efforts contributed to improving educational standards and providing learning opportunities for many youths, helping to build a more aware and educated society.
Impact & Consequences
Guru Tua's contributions to education and advocacy are considered a model to emulate in the Islamic world. He demonstrated how education can be a tool for social change and development. His respect for cultural and religious diversity reflects the importance of dialogue and understanding among different religions and cultures.
The influence of Guru Tua extends beyond Indonesia, reaching many Islamic countries that seek to promote education and advocacy in a manner characterized by tolerance and mutual respect. Drawing inspiration from the values left by Guru Tua can contribute to building more cohesive and cooperative communities.
Regional Significance
The experience of Guru Tua in Indonesia can serve as an inspiration for Arab countries facing similar challenges in education and advocacy. Emphasizing the importance of education as a means for social and economic development can help improve conditions in many Arab communities.
Furthermore, promoting values of tolerance and mutual respect among religions and cultures can assist in building more stable and secure societies. Guru Tua's experience invites reflection on how to enhance these values in the Arab world, especially in light of current challenges.