Wahid, Abdurrahman (Gus Dur)
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: عبد الرحمن وحيد (Abd al-Rahman Wahid)
- Turkish: Abdurrahman Vahid
Introduction
Abdurrahman Wahid (b. 1940), also popularly known as Gus Dur, was a distinguished Indonesian Islamic thinker, writer, and politician whose intellectual and political contributions continue to shape contemporary Islamic discourse. Wahid was elected president of Indonesia in 1998 and served until 2000, following his replacement by a parliamentary vote.
Early Life and Education
Gus Dur was born into a prominent Muslim family closely connected with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). He pursued extensive academic and religious studies, from traditional pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Indonesia to higher education institutions abroad, including studies in Egypt and Iraq.
Chair of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)
From 1984 to 1999, Wahid served as the Chair of the Executive Council of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), one of the largest and most influential Islamic organizations in Indonesia. Under his leadership, NU became a major advocate for socioethical reforms grounded in Islamic teachings contextualized within modern society.
Advocating for Pesantren
Wahid promoted the role of pesantren as vital agents for the development of rural communities and fostering a democratic society at the grassroots level. He emphasized their potential in nurturing not only religious knowledge but also critical thinking and the promotion of social justice.
Socioethical Reforms and Religious Pluralism
Wahid called for the re-construction of socioethical guidelines for contemporary Muslims through a historical reinterpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah. He was known for his moderate political views and support for religious pluralism and tolerance. Wahid argued that the principles underpinning values such as human rights, social justice, fair development, and democracy are inherent within Islam itself, and not a concession to Western liberal ideologies.
Moderate Politics and Anti-Fundamentalism
Wahid was opposed to both the secularization of the Indonesian state and the fundamentalist Islamic claims that present Islam as a superior, comprehensive alternative to existing secular regimes. He promoted the idea that Islam should not be in confrontation with the state or other religions, advocating instead for harmonious coexistence.
Critique of Traditionalist Ulama
Wahid maintained that the traditionalist ulama had hindered the rediscovery of dynamic methodologies for Islamic jurisprudence by predominantly focusing on legal formalism and ritual correctness. He sought to balance religious adherence with intellectual flexibility and modernization.
Further Studies
For a deeper understanding of Abdurrahman Wahid’s work and contributions, consider the following books:
- “Islam, Humanity, and Indonesian Identity: Reflections on Future Islamization in Indonesia” by Abdurrahman Wahid.
- “Gus Dur’s Quest for Pluralism: Toward Conflict Resolution in the Middle East” edited by Mujiburrahman.
- “Islam Nusantara: A Global Future?” by Greg Fealy and Todd Waters.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, remains a significant figure in the landscape of Islamic thought for his enduring commitment to theological and socio-political reforms through religious pluralism and modernization. His advocacy for the reinterpretation of Islamic texts and institutions as tools for social justice and democratic principles continues to inspire.
In summary, Gus Dur’s legacy encompasses his efforts to demonstrate that the values crucial to contemporary societal prosperity are compatible with and entrenched in Islamic teachings, contributing to an inclusive, dynamic, and socially responsible Muslim community.
