Controversial Cleric Gus Miftah Opens Up About Challenges in Building Islamic Boarding School
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In a recent interview, Indonesian cleric Gus miftah shared the struggles he faced while establishing an Islamic boarding school in yogyakarta, shedding light on the skepticism and challenges he encountered along the way.
Gus Miftah, whose real name is Muhammad Miftah, gained notoriety after a viral video surfaced on social media, showing him lashing out at an iced tea seller. The incident sparked widespread backlash and led to questions about his credibility and background within the religious community.
During the interview, Gus Miftah opened up about the difficulties he faced when he first started building the Islamic boarding school, which he named Ora Aji. He revealed that many people doubted his abilities, questioning why someone they considered “nobody” would dare to establish such an institution.
“at that time I was building a hut in Jogja, everyone said, ‘Who is Miftah?'” he said in a video on YouTube @tujuh_detik.
The cleric explained that not only did he face skepticism from the community, but he was also expelled from a WhatsApp group of fellow clerics, who did not believe he deserved the title of “Gus.” This led to further scrutiny, with some questioning the origins of his parents and his right to be called Gus.
The controversy surrounding Gus Miftah has sparked conversations about the challenges faced by individuals trying to make a name for themselves in religious communities, especially when they come from humble beginnings.
Watch the Full Interview:
As the debate around Gus Miftah continues, his story serves as a reminder of the obstacles that can arise when individuals challenge societal expectations and strive to create change, even within religious circles.
For more updates on this story and other global news, stay tuned to World Today News.
Certainly! Below is an HTML-formatted interview for a WordPress page between the Senior Editor of World Today News and a specialist guest who is an expert on religious leadership and community dynamics, based on the details provided in the article.
Interview with Dr. Ahmad Syafi’i on the Challenges of Building an Islamic Boarding School
Senior Editor: Welcome, Dr. Syafi’i. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve been following the story of Gus Miftah and the challenges he faced while establishing the Ora Aji Islamic boarding school in Yogyakarta. Can you provide some context on the difficulties individuals like Gus Miftah often encounter when trying to establish religious institutions?
Dr. Syafi’i: Thank you for having me. The challenges faced by individuals like Gus Miftah are quite common,especially in religious communities that place a high value on tradition and hierarchy. When someone from a humble background attempts to establish a religious institution, they frequently enough face skepticism and resistance. This is partly due to the perception that such roles should be reserved for those with established credentials or lineage within the community.
Senior Editor: In Gus Miftah’s case,he was even expelled from a WhatsApp group of fellow clerics. How does this kind of exclusion impact someone’s credibility and ability to lead?
Dr. Syafi’i: Exclusion from established networks can be devastating. Religious leadership often relies on communal support and recognition. Being ostracized by peers can lead to a loss of legitimacy, as people may question the individual’s qualifications and motives. This is especially challenging in tight-knit religious communities where reputation and social standing are paramount.
Senior Editor: Gus Miftah mentioned that people doubted his abilities and questioned his right to be called “Gus.” What does this title signify, and why is it so important in this context?
Dr. Syafi’i: The title “Gus” is a form of respect given to religious figures in Indonesia, particularly those who are seen as knowledgeable and influential. It carries a lot of weight because it implies a level of authority and spiritual guidance. For someone without a recognized lineage or conventional path to this title, earning it can be a significant uphill battle. Critics often scrutinize their background, education, and even family history to determine if they are deserving of the title.
Senior Editor: The controversy surrounding gus Miftah has sparked broader conversations about the barriers faced by individuals from humble beginnings in religious communities. Do you think this reflects a larger issue within religious leadership?
Dr. Syafi’i: Absolutely. This case highlights a systemic issue where traditional gatekeepers often resist change and new voices.Many religious communities struggle with inclusivity and the recognition of talent outside established channels. While this can preserve tradition, it also stifles innovation and the potential for fresh perspectives. Gus Miftah’s story is a reminder that religious leadership needs to evolve to embrace diversity and empower those who may not fit the conventional mold.
Senior Editor: Thank you,Dr. Syafi’i, for your insightful commentary. Your perspective sheds light on the deeper dynamics at play in religious communities. For our readers, we encourage you to watch Gus miftah’s full interview on YouTube and continue the conversation on our website.
Watch Gus Miftah’s Full Interview:
For more updates on this story and other global news, stay tuned to World Today News.
This interview format incorporates the key points from the article while providing a structured dialog that can be easily embedded into a WordPress page.